CA3075343A1

CA3075343A1 - Method and apparatus for supporting a ram

Info

Publication number: CA3075343A1
Application number: CA3075343A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Clayton Wilford Russell Mcmunn; Shay Gerrit Cyra; Miguel Paul Eagleton; Jan Peter NILSSON
Original assignee: Kal Tire
Current assignee: Kal Tire
Priority date: 2020-03-11
Filing date: 2020-03-11
Publication date: 2021-09-11

Abstract

Ram mounting apparatus that include a ram mounting body are provided. A ram mounting body may include a connecting portion connectable to a vehicle having a tire with a wheel, a receptacle defining a space operable to receive a ram, and a retaining body operable to retain the ram in the space defined by the receptacle. The ram can be used to exert a force on the tire to separate the tire from the wheel.
Methods for supporting a ram relative to a ram mounting body are also provided.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING A RAM
FIELD
This disclosure relates generally to supporting a ram.
RELATED ART
Removing tires from wheels, particularly in large vehicles such as haul trucks, can be costly and unsafe. For example, rams used to remove tires from wheels may be heavy or otherwise difficult to place in positions appropriate for use in removing tires from wheels.
SUMMARY
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of supporting a ram relative to a ram mounting body including a connecting portion connectable to a vehicle including a first wheel including a tire. The method includes:
receiving the ram in a space defined by a receptacle of the ram mounting body laterally relative to an expansion direction in which the ram is expandable to exert a force on the tire; and retaining the ram in the space defined by the receptacle.
In some embodiments, receiving the ram in the space defined by the receptacle includes receiving at least a portion of the ram in an opening of the receptacle open laterally relative to the expansion direction.
In some embodiments, retaining the ram in the space defined by the receptacle includes fastening at least one retainer in a retaining position over at least a portion of the opening.
In some embodiments, the method further includes pivoting the at least one retainer into the retaining position over the at least a portion of the opening.
In some embodiments, the method further includes connecting the connecting portion of the ram mounting body to the vehicle.
In some embodiments, connecting the connecting portion of the ram mounting body to the vehicle includes positioning a first portion of a fastening body in a through-opening defined by the connecting portion of the ram mounting body and a second portion of the fastening body in a through-opening defined by a portion of the vehicle proximate the tire.
In some embodiments, positioning the first portion of the fastening body in the through-opening defined by the connecting portion of the ram mounting body includes positioning the first portion of the fastening body in a sleeve in the through-opening defined by the connecting portion of the ram mounting body.
In some embodiments, the ram mounting body has a first volumetric mass density, and the sleeve has a second volumetric mass density greater than the first volumetric mass density.
In some embodiments, the ram mounting body is made of aluminum, and the sleeve is made of steel.
In some embodiments, connecting the connecting portion of the ram mounting body to the vehicle includes positioning a first part of the connecting portion on a first side of a flange defined by the vehicle and positioning a second part of the connection portion on a second side of the flange.
In some embodiments, the first side of the flange is opposite the second side of the flange.
In some embodiments, positioning the first part of the connecting portion on the first side of the flange includes positioning a protrusion extending from the first side of the flange within an opening defined by the first part of the connecting portion.
In some embodiments, positioning the second part of the connection portion on the second side of the flange includes moving the second part of the connecting portion relative to the first part of the connecting portion.
In some embodiments, moving the second part of the connecting portion relative to the first part of the connecting portion includes pivoting the second part of the connecting portion towards to the first part of the connecting portion to clamp the connecting portion on the flange.

- 2 -In some embodiments, moving the second part of the connecting portion relative to the first part of the connecting portion includes sliding the second part of the connecting portion towards the first part of the connecting portion.
In some embodiments, connecting the connecting portion of the ram mounting body to the vehicle includes connecting the ram mounting body to the vehicle at a location spaced apart from the first wheel.
In some embodiments, connecting the connecting portion of the ram mounting body to the vehicle includes connecting the ram mounting body directly to a motor housing or an axle housing of the vehicle.
In some embodiments, receiving the ram in the space defined by the receptacle includes positioning the ram into a ram position in which expansion of the ram in the expansion direction causes the ram to exert force on the tire.
In some embodiments, positioning the ram into the ram position includes positioning the ram into the ram position in which expansion of the ram in the expansion direction causes the ram to exert the force on a structure that transmits the force from the ram to a surface of the tire proximate a tire bead of the tire.
In some embodiments, the method further includes, when the ram is received in the space defined by the receptacle, and when the ram mounting body is connected to the vehicle, causing the ram to expand in the expansion direction and to exert the force on the tire.
In some embodiments, the expansion direction is substantially parallel to an axis of the first wheel.
In some embodiments, the expansion direction is at an oblique angle to an axis of the first wheel.
In some embodiments, receiving the ram in the space defined by the receptacle includes receiving the ram in the space defined by the receptacle when the connecting portion of the ram mounting body is connected to the vehicle.
In some embodiments, the receptacle is movable relative to the connecting portion of the ram mounting body.

- 3 -In some embodiments, at least one hinge couples the receptacle to the connecting portion of the ram mounting body.
In some embodiments, at least one damper body is positioned to dampen movement of the receptacle relative to the connecting portion of the ram mounting body.
In some embodiments, the at least one damper body includes at least one resilient body positioned to dampen movement of the receptacle relative to the connecting portion of the ram mounting body.
In some embodiments, the at least one damper body is further positioned to bias the receptacle to a resting position relative to the connecting portion of the ram mounting body.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a ram mounting apparatus is provided. The ram mounting apparatus includes: a means for connecting the apparatus to a vehicle including a wheel including a tire; a means for holding a ram, where the means for holding is operable to receive the ram laterally relative to an expansion direction in which the ram is expandable to exert a force on the tire when the apparatus is connected to the vehicle and when the ram is received in the means for holding; and a means for retaining the ram in the means for holding when the ram is received in the means for holding.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a ram mounting apparatus including a ram mounting body in provided. The ram mounting body includes: a connecting portion connectable to a vehicle including a first wheel including a tire; a receptacle defining a space operable to receive a ram and including a ram abutment at an abutment end of the space defined by the receptacle, the space defined by the receptacle open at, at least, an end opening at an open end opposite the abutment end, and the space defined by the receptacle openable at, at least, a lateral opening between the abutment and the open end and operable to receive the ram laterally into the space defined by the receptacle; and a retaining body operable to retain the ram in the space defined by the receptacle when the ram is received in the space defined by the receptacle.

- 4 -In some embodiments, the retaining body is fastenable in a retaining position over at least a portion of the lateral opening to retain the ram in the space defined by the receptacle.
In some embodiments, the retaining body is pivotable into the retaining position.
In some embodiments, the connecting portion of the ram mounting body defines a through-opening sized to receive a first portion of a fastening body with a second portion of the fastening body positionable in a through-opening defined by the vehicle.
In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a sleeve positionable in the through-opening defined by the connecting portion of the ram mounting body, where the first portion of the fastening body is positionable in the through-opening defined by the connecting portion of the ram mounting body when the first portion of the fastening body is positioned in the sleeve and when the sleeve is positioned in the through-opening defined by the connecting portion of the ram mounting body.
In some embodiments, the ram mounting body has a first volumetric mass density, and the sleeve has a second volumetric mass density greater than the first volumetric mass density.
In some embodiments, the ram mounting body is made of aluminum, and the sleeve is made of steel.
In some embodiments, the connecting portion of the ram mounting body includes a first part positionable on a first side of a flange defined by the vehicle and a second part positionable on a second side of the flange.
In some embodiments, the first side of the flange is opposite the second side of the flange.
In some embodiments, the first side of the connecting portion defines an opening to receive a protrusion defined by the first side of the flange.
In some embodiments, the second part of the connecting portion is movable relative to the first part of the connecting portion.

- 5 -In some embodiments, the second part of the connecting portion is pivotable relative to the first part of the connecting portion to clamp the connecting portion on the flange.
In some embodiments, the second part of the connecting portion is slidable relative to the first part of the connecting portion.
In some embodiments, the connecting portion of the ram mounting body is configured to connect the ram mounting body to the vehicle at a location spaced apart from the first wheel.
In some embodiments, the connecting portion of the ram mounting body is configured to connect the ram mounting body directly to a motor housing or an axle housing of the vehicle.
In some embodiments, the receptacle is configured to hold the ram in a ram position in which expansion of the ram in an expansion direction causes the ram to exert force on the tire when the connecting portion of the ram mounting body is connected to the vehicle and when the ram is received in the space defined by the receptacle.
In some embodiments, the receptacle is operable to receive the ram laterally relative to the expansion direction.
In some embodiments, the expansion direction is substantially parallel to an axis of the first wheel.
In some embodiments, the expansion direction is at an oblique angle to an axis of the first wheel.
In some embodiments, the receptacle is movable relative to the connecting portion of the ram mounting body.
In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a hinge coupling the receptacle to the connecting portion of the ram mounting body.
In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes at least one damper body operable to dampen movement of the receptacle relative to the connecting portion of the ram mounting body.

- 6 -In some embodiments, the at least one damper body includes at least one resilient body.
In some embodiments, the at least one damper body is further operable to bias the receptacle to a resting position relative to the connecting portion of the ram mounting body.
In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes the ram.
In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes the vehicle.
Other aspects and features will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of illustrative embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an apparatus for supporting a ram according to one embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a base of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a right-side view of the base of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a left-side view of the base of FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is a first perspective view of a shell body of a ram housing of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a second perspective view of the shell body of FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is an end view of the shell body of FIG. 5.
FIG. 8 is a top view of the shell body of FIG 5.
FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the shell body of FIG 5.
FIG. 10 is an end view of an anchor plate of the ram housing of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
FIG. 11 is a side view of a hinge bracket of the ram housing of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
FIG. 12 is an end view of a fixed support body of the ram housing of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
FIG. 13 is an end view of a movable support body of the ram housing of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

- 7 -FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the ram housing of the apparatus of FIG. 1, showing the movable support body of FIG. 13 in a retaining position.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the ram housing of the apparatus of FIG. 1, showing the movable support body of FIG. 13 in an open position.
FIG. 16 is an end view of a generally semi-circular damper body of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
FIG. 17 is a first perspective view of a trough of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
FIG. 18 is a second perspective view of the trough of FIG. 17.
FIG. 19 is an end view of a trough support body of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
FIG. 20 is an assembled perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
FIG. 21 is an assembled side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 and a ram, according to one embodiment, receivable in a space defined by a receptacle of the ram housing of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 and the ram of FIG.
22 received in the space defined by the receptacle of the ram housing of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, including a partially exploded perspective view of a haul truck according to one embodiment.
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the haul truck of FIG. 24, the apparatus of FIG. 1 connected to the haul truck of FIG. 24, and the ram of FIG. 22 received in the space defined by the receptacle of the ram housing of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the haul truck of FIG. 24, the apparatus of FIG. 1 connected to the haul truck of FIG. 24, and the ram of FIG. 22 received in the space defined by the receptacle of the ram housing of the apparatus of FIG. 1, with a piston of the ram of FIG. 22 in a retracted position.
FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the haul truck of FIG. 24, the apparatus of FIG. 1 connected to the haul truck of FIG. 24, and the ram of FIG. 22 received in the space defined by the receptacle of the ram housing of the apparatus of FIG. 1, with the piston of the ram of FIG. 22 in an extended position.

- 8 -FIG. 28 is a partially exploded perspective view of an apparatus for supporting a ram according to another embodiment.
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a base of the apparatus of FIG. 28.
FIG. 30 is atop view of the base of FIG. 29.
FIG. 31 is a left-side view of the base of FIG. 29.
FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a bed of the base of FIG. 29.
FIG. 33 is a top view of the bed of FIG. 32.
FIG. 34 is a left-side view of the bed of FIG. 32.
FIG. 35 is an end view of the bed of FIG. 32.
FIG. 36 is a bottom view of the bed of FIG. 32.
FIG. 37 is a top view of a plate of the base of FIG. 29.
FIG. 38 is a left-side view of the plate of FIG. 37.
FIG. 39 is a front view of a U-shaped handle of the base of FIG. 29.
FIG. 40 is a left-side view of the U-shaped handle of FIG. 39.
FIG. 41 is a left-side view of a boss of the base of FIG. 29.
FIG. 42 is a plan view of the boss of FIG. 41 in the direction shown in FIG.
41.
FIG. 43 is a bottom view of the boss of FIG. 41.
FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of the boss of FIG. 41 along the line shown in FIG. 43.
FIG. 45 is a top view of the boss of FIG. 41.
FIG. 46 is a partially exploded perspective view of a clamp of the apparatus of FIG. 28.
FIG. 47 is a top view of a plate of the clamp of FIG. 46.
FIG. 48 is a left-side view of the plate of FIG. 47.
FIG. 49 is a left-side view of a tang of the clamp of FIG. 46.
FIG. 50 is an end view of the tang of FIG. 49.
FIG. 51 is a front view of a clevis of the clamp of FIG. 46.
FIG. 52 is a top view of the clevis of FIG. 51.
FIG. 53 is a left-side view of the clevis of FIG. 51.

- 9 -FIG. 54 is a top view of a slide rail of the clamp of FIG. 46.
FIG. 55 is a top view of a dowel nut of the clamp of FIG. 46.
FIG. 56 is a perspective view of the clamp of FIG. 46.
FIG. 57 is a left-side view of the clamp of FIG. 46.
FIG. 58 is a partially exploded perspective view of a receptacle of the apparatus of FIG. 28.
FIG. 59 is top view of a shell body of the receptacle of FIG. 58.
FIG. 60 is a magnified view of the shell body of FIG. 59 in the area indicated in FIG. 59.
FIG. 61 is a left-side view of the shell body of FIG. 59.
FIG. 62 is a front view of the shell body of FIG. 59.
FIG. 63 is a bottom view of the shell body of FIG. 59.
FIG. 64 is a magnified view of the shell body of FIG. 59 in the area indicated in FIG. 63.
FIG. 65 is a perspective view of a fixed support body of the receptacle of FIG. 58.
FIG. 66 is a left-side view of the fixed support body of FIG. 65.
FIG. 67 is an end view of the fixed support body of FIG. 65.
FIG. 68 is a front view of the fixed support body of FIG. 65.
FIG. 69 is a perspective view of a moveable support body of the receptacle of FIG. 58.
FIG. 70 is a left-side view of the moveable support body of FIG. 69.
FIG. 71 is an end view of the moveable support body of FIG. 69.
FIG. 72 is a front view of the moveable support body of FIG. 69.
FIG. 73 is a first perspective view of an anchor plate of the receptacle of FIG.
58.
FIG. 74 is a second perspective view of the anchor plate of FIG. 73.
FIG. 75 is a top view of the anchor plate of FIG. 73.
FIG. 76 is a left-side view of the anchor plate of FIG. 73.
FIG. 77 is an end view of the anchor plate of FIG. 73.

- 10 -FIG. 78 is a cross-sectional view of the anchor plate of FIG. 73 along the line shown in FIG. 77.
FIG. 79 is a perspective view of the receptacle of FIG. 58.
FIG. 80 is a left-side view of the receptacle of FIG. 58.
FIG. 81 is a front view of the receptacle of FIG. 58.
FIG. 82 is a perspective view of a support body of the apparatus of FIG. 28.
FIG. 83 is a top view of the support body of FIG. 82.
FIG. 84 is a front view of the support body of FIG. 82.
FIG. 85 is a left-side view of the support body of FIG. 82.
FIG. 86 is a perspective view of a semi-circular damper body of the apparatus of FIG. 28.
FIG. 87 is a front view of the semi-circular damper body of FIG. 86.
FIG. 88 is a left-side view of the semi-circular damper body of FIG. 86.
FIG. 89 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 28.
FIG. 90 is a left-side view of the apparatus of FIG. 28, showing the receptacle and the clamp of the apparatus moving between a first position and a second position.
FIG. 91 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 28 and a ram, according to one embodiment, receivable in a space defined by the receptacle of the apparatus.
FIG. 92 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 28 and the ram of FIG.
91 received in the space defined by the receptacle of the apparatus.
FIG. 93 is a rear view of a haul truck according to one embodiment.
FIGs. 94-96 are perspective views of the apparatus of FIG. 28 being connected to an axle housing of the haul truck of FIG. 93.
FIG. 97 is a right-side view of the axle housing of the haul truck of FIG. 93 with the apparatus of FIG. 28 connected to the axle housing.
FIG. 98 is a perspective view of the haul truck of FIG. 93, the apparatus of FIG. 28 connected to the haul truck, and the ram of FIG. 91 received in the space defined by the receptacle of the apparatus.

- 11 -FIG. 99 is a perspective view of the haul truck of FIG. 93, the apparatus of FIG. 28 connected to the haul truck and the ram of FIG. 91 received in the space defined by the receptacle of the apparatus, with a piston of the ram in a resting position.
FIG. 100 is a perspective view of the haul truck of FIG. 93, the apparatus of FIG. 28 connected to the haul truck and the ram of FIG. 91 received in the space defined by the receptacle of the apparatus, with the piston of the ram in an extended position and a wheel/rim flange detached from a wheel of the haul truck..
FIG. 101 is a perspective view of the haul truck of FIG. 93, the apparatus of FIG. 28 connected to the haul truck and the ram of FIG. 91 received in the space defined by the receptacle of the apparatus, with the piston of the ram in the resting position and the wheel/rim flange detached from the wheel of the haul truck.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to FIG. 1, an apparatus for supporting a ram according to one embodiment is shown generally at 100 and may include a base 102 and a receptacle (or ram housing) 104.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, the base 102 may have a front side shown generally at 106 and a rear (or bottom) side shown generally at 108 and opposite the front side 106. The base 102 may include a generally tubular body 110. The generally tubular body 110 may have a length 112 between the front side 106 and the rear side 108, and the length 112 may be about 6 inches (or about 15.24 centimeters (cm)), for example. The generally tubular body 110 may also have an external diameter 113 that may be about 5.75 inches (or about 14.6 cm), for example.
The generally tubular body 110 defines a through-opening shown generally at 114.
The through-opening 114 is open to the front side 106 and to the rear side 108, and the through-opening 114 may be generally symmetric about a longitudinal axis 115 extending between the front side 106 and the rear side 108. The through-opening 114 may have an internal diameter 116. The internal diameter 116 may be about 3.997 inches (or about 10.152 cm) to about 3.999 inches (or about 10.157 cm), for example. The generally tubular body 110 may have a peripheral outer surface 118. In

- 12 -general, one or more edges of the generally tubular body 110 may include one or more bevels, one or more chamfers, or a combination of one or more bevels and one or more chamfers, for example to facilitate assembly or use of the base 102.
Further, the generally tubular body 110 (and other components of the base 102) may be made from aluminum or another relatively lightweight material, for example.
The base 102 may also include a front flange 120 on the front side 106, a rear (or bottom) flange 122 on the rear side 108, and a web 124 between the front flange 120 and the rear flange 122. In general, one or more edges of the front flange 120, the rear flange 122, and/or the web 124 may include one or more bevels, one or more chamfers, or a combination of one or more bevels and one or more chamfers, for example to facilitate assembly or use of the base 102. The front flange 120, the rear flange 122, and the web 124 may be attached to the peripheral outer surface 118 of the generally tubular body 110, for example by welding as shown in FIG. 1.
Each of the front flange 120 and the rear flange 122 may be cut from a plate that may have a thickness of about 1 inch (or about 2.54 cm), for example, and the web 124 may be cut from a plate that may have a thickness of about 1.5 inches (or about 3.81 cm), for example. Each of the front flange 120 and the rear flange 122 may have a transverse width 117 of about 6.75 inches (or about 17.145 cm), for example. The front flange 120 may extend at an oblique angle 121 from a longitudinal axis 123 (which may be parallel to the longitudinal axis 115) extending between the front side 106 and the rear side 108. The oblique angle 121 may be about 81.25 degrees. On a side of the web 124 adjacent the generally tubular body 110, the web 124 may have a length 119 of about 2.875 inches (or about 7.303 cm), for example.
The base 102 may also include a saddle 126. In general, one or more edges of the saddle 126 may include one or more bevels, one or more chamfers, or a combination of one or more bevels and one or more chamfers, for example to facilitate assembly or use of the base 102. The saddle 126 may also be attached to the front flange 120, the rear flange 122, and the web 124, for example by welding as shown in FIG. 1. The saddle 126 may have an external diameter 125, which may be about 5.563 inches (or about 14.13 cm), for example. The saddle 126 may have a

- 13 -length between the front side 106 and the rear side 108 on a side of the saddle 126 facing the web 124 of about 3.5 inches (or about 8.89 cm), for example. The saddle 126 defines a space shown generally at 128 and open on the front side 106. The space 128 may be generally symmetric about a longitudinal axis 129 (which may be parallel to one or more of the longitudinal axes 115 and 123) extending between the front side 106 and the rear side 108 and may have an internal diameter 127.
The internal diameter 127 may be about 4.563 inches (or about 11.59 cm), for example.
The saddle 126 also defines lateral openings shown generally at 130 and 132 on opposite sides of the space 128 and sized to receive and retain respective opposite ends of a pin 134 such that the pin 134 may be fastened in a position extending laterally across the space 128. The apparatus 100 may also include retaining rings 136 and 138 that may retain the pin 134 in the position extending laterally across the space 128. Further, at opposite ends of the pin 134, the pin 134 may define grooves 137 and 141 that may receive the retaining rings 136 and 138 respectively to retain the pin 134 in the position extending laterally across the space 128. The lateral openings 130 and 132 may each be formed by drilling, reaming, or both, may each have a diameter of about 0.5 inches (or about 1.27 cm), for example, and may be about 0.875 inches (or about 2.22 cm) from a rear edge of the saddle 126 on the rear side 108, for example. The pin 134 and the retaining rings 136 and 138 may each have a diameter of about 0.5 inches (or about 1.27 cm), for example, and the pin may have a length of about 6 inches (or about 15.24 cm), for example.
A portion 131 of a front-side face of the saddle 126, on an opposite side of the longitudinal axis 129 from the generally tubular body 110, may extend at an oblique angle 133 from a longitudinal axis 135 (which may be parallel to one or more of the longitudinal axes 115, 123, and 129) extending between the front side 106 and the rear side 108. The oblique angle 133 may be about 55 degrees.
The front flange 120, the rear flange 122, and the web 124 may be sized and shaped to cause the longitudinal axes 115, 123, 129, and 135 to be parallel, to space apart the generally tubular body 110 from the saddle 126 by a separation distance 139 of about 2.844 inches (or about 7.224 cm), for example, and to space apart the

- 14 -front flange 120 from the rear flange 122 along the generally tubular body 110 by the length 119, for example. In an alternative embodiment, the front flange 120, the rear flange 122, the web 124 and the saddle 126 are formed as a single piece casting.
Referring to FIG. 1, the apparatus 100 may also include a generally tubular sleeve 140. The generally tubular sleeve 140 may have a length 142 that may also be about 6 inches (or about 15.24 cm), or that may be similar to the length 112, for example. The generally tubular sleeve 140 may also have an external diameter that may be sized such that the generally tubular sleeve 140 may be positioned in the through-opening 114 in a press fit. The generally tubular sleeve 140 defines a through-opening shown generally at 146. The through-opening 146 may have an internal diameter 148, which may be about 3.125 inches (or about 7.938 cm), for example. Further, when the generally tubular sleeve 140 is positioned in the through-opening 114, the through-opening 146 is also open to the front side 106 and to the rear side 108. The generally tubular sleeve 140 may be made of steel or another relatively strong material, for example.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5-9, the receptacle 104 may also include a shell body 150, which may include a generally cylindrical structure 152 defining an internal space shown generally at 153. An internal diameter 154 of the internal space 153 may be about 3.438 inches (or about 8.733 cm), and an external diameter 156 of the generally cylindrical structure 152 may be about 4 inches (or about 10.16 cm).
The generally cylindrical structure 152 may have a front side shown generally at 158 and a rear side shown generally at 160 and opposite the front side 158. On the front side 158 of the generally cylindrical structure 152, the shell body 150 may include a longitudinal projection 162. The longitudinal projection 162 may have a length from a rear edge 165 on the rear side 160 of the generally cylindrical structure 152 to a distal end 166 of the longitudinal projection 162. The length 164 may be about 10.531 inches (or about 26.749 cm), for example. The longitudinal projection may have a transverse width 168 of about 1.232 inches (or about 3.129 cm).
The longitudinal projection 162 may define a through-opening shown generally at 170, and a longitudinal center of the through-opening 170 may be about

- 15 -1.75 inches (or about 4.45 cm), for example, from the distal end 166. A
longitudinal length 172 of the through-opening 170 may be about 0.75 inches (or about 1.91 cm).
A transverse width 174 of the through-opening 170 may be about 0.5 inches (or about 1.27 cm). The longitudinal projection 162 may also define a through-opening shown generally at 176, and a longitudinal center of the through-opening 176 may be about 5.75 inches (or about 14.61 cm), for example, from the distal end 166. A

longitudinal length 178 of the through-opening 176 may be about 0.75 inches (or about 1.91 cm). A transverse width 180 of the through-opening 176 may be about 0.5 inches (or about 1.27 cm).
On the rear side 160 of the generally cylindrical structure 152, the shell body 150 may include laterally opposite longitudinal projections 182 and 184. The longitudinal projections 182 and 184 may extend about 1.375 inches (or about 3.493 cm) from the rear edge 165 of the generally cylindrical structure 152. The longitudinal projection 182 may have a height 186 of about 1 inch (or about 2.54 cm), and the longitudinal projection 184 may have a height 188 of about 1 inch (or about 2.54 cm). The longitudinal projection 182 may define a through-opening shown generally at 190. A longitudinal center of the through-opening 190 may be about 0.875 inches (or about 2.22 cm) from the rear edge 165, for example, and the through-opening 190 may have a diameter of about 0.484 inches (or about 1.23 cm), for example. The longitudinal projection 184 may define a through-opening shown generally at 192. A longitudinal center of the through-opening 192 may be about 0.875 inches (or about 2.22 cm) from the rear edge 165, for example, and the through-opening 192 may have a diameter of about 0.484 inches (or about 1.23 cm), for example.
Referring to FIG. 10, the receptacle 104 may also include an anchor plate 194, which may be cut from a plate that may have a thickness of about 0.5 inches (or about 1.27 cm), for example. In general, one or more edges of the anchor plate may include one or more bevels, one or more chamfers, or a combination of one or more bevels and one or more chamfers, for example to facilitate assembly or use of the base 102. The anchor plate 194 may have a diameter 196 of about 4 inches (or

- 16 -about 10.16 cm), for example. The anchor plate 194 may define laterally opposite recesses shown generally at 198 and 200. A diametric distance 202 between the recesses 198 and 200 may be about 3.438 inches (or about 8.733 cm), for example. A
height 204 of the recess 198 may be about 1 inch (or about 2.54 cm), for example. A
width 206 of the recess 200 may be about 1 inch (or about 2.54 cm), for example.
The anchor plate 194 may also define through-openings shown generally at 208 and 210. The through-openings 208 and 210 may each be about 1 inch (or about 2.54 cm) from a center of the anchor plate 194, for example, and the through-openings and 210 may each have a diameter of about 0.1875 inches (or about 0.4763 cm), for example. Centers of the through-openings 208 and 210 may be on a diameter between respective centers of the recesses 198 and 200.
Referring to FIG. 11, the receptacle 104 may also include a hinge bracket 212. The hinge bracket 212 may have a front side shown generally at 214 and a rear side shown generally at 216 and opposite the front side 212. The hinge bracket may have a length 217 from the front side 214 to the rear side 216, and the length 217 may be about 8.813 inches (or about 22.385 cm). The hinge bracket 212 may also have a top side shown generally at 218 and a bottom side shown generally at 220 and opposite the top side 218. The hinge bracket 212 may be cut from a plate that may have a thickness of about 0.5 inches (or about 1.27 cm), for example, so that a width 222 (shown in FIG. 1) of the hinge bracket 212 may be about 0.5 inches (or about 1.27 cm), for example.
On a front end on the front side 214, the hinge bracket 212 may include a flange 224 extending towards the bottom side 220 by a distance 226 that may be about 1.05 inches (or about 2.67 cm), for example. Also on the bottom side 220, the hinge bracket 212 may include a projection 228, a center of which may be about 1.75 inches (or about 4.45 cm), for example, from a rear surface 230 on the rear side 216 of the flange 224. Also on the bottom side 220, the hinge bracket 212 may include a projection 232, a center of which may be about 5.75 inches (or about 14.61 cm), for example, from the rear surface 230 of the flange 224. The projections 228 and may thus be positioned to be received in the through-openings 170 and 176 when the

- 17 -bottom side 220 of the hinge bracket 212 is positioned on the longitudinal projection 162 with the rear surface 230 of the flange 224 positioned against the distal end 166 of the longitudinal projection 162.
On the top side 218, the hinge bracket 212 may include projections 234 and 236. A longitudinal space shown generally at 238 between the projections 234 and 236 may have a length 240 of about 0.781 inches (or about 1.98 cm), for example.
The projection 234 may define a longitudinal through-opening shown generally at 242, and the 236 projection 236 may define a longitudinal through-opening shown generally at 244. The through-openings 242 and 244 may have diameters of about 0.1875 inches (or about 0.4763 cm), for example. Centers of the through-openings 242 and 244 may be a height 246 from a principal top surface 247 on the top side 218 of the hinge bracket 212, and the height 246 may be about 0.313 inches (or about 0.795 cm), for example.
Referring to FIG. 12, the receptacle 104 may also include a fixed support body 248, which may be cut from a plate that may have a thickness of about 0.375 inches (or about 0.9525 cm), for example. The fixed support body 248 may include a support portion 250 and a retaining portion 252.
The support portion 250 may define a space shown generally at 254, which may be sized to receive a portion of the hinge bracket 212 (shown in FIG. 11) such that surfaces of the support portion 250 on respective opposite sides of the space 254 may contact opposite sides of the portion of the hinge bracket 212 when a portion of the support portion 250 is received in the space 238 (shown in FIG. 11). The support portion 250 may define through-openings shown generally at 256 and 258, and centers of the through-openings 256 and 258 may be aligned laterally above a lateral center of the space 254. The support portion 250 may also define a through-opening shown generally at 260 and laterally spaced apart from the lateral center of the space 254, and centers of the through-openings 258 and 260 may be a common distance, such as about 0.9375 inches (or about 2.381 cm) for example, from a center of the through-opening 256. The through-opening 256 may have a diameter of about 0.1875 inches (or about 0.4763 cm), for example, and the through-openings 258 and

- 18 -260 may each have a diameter of about 0.25 inches (or about 0.635 cm), for example. The retaining portion 252 may include a generally semi-circular portion 261. The generally semi-circular portion 261 may have an inner radius of curvature 262 of about 1.72 inches (or about 4.37 cm), for example, and may have an outer radius of curvature 264 of about 2.25 inches (or about 5.72 cm), for example.
Referring to FIG. 13, the receptacle 104 may also include a movable support body 266, which may be cut from a plate that may have a thickness of about 0.375 inches (or about 0.9525 cm), for example. The movable support body 266 may include a support portion 268 and a retaining portion 270.
The support portion 268 may define a space shown generally at 272, which may be sized to receive a portion of the hinge bracket 212 (shown in FIG. 11) when a portion of the support portion 268 is received in the space 238 (shown in FIG. 11).
The support portion 268 may define through-openings shown generally at 274 and 276, and centers of the through-openings 274 and 276 may be a distance of about 0.9375 inches (or about 2.381 cm) apart, for example. The through-opening 274 may have a diameter of about 0.1875 inches (or about 0.4763 cm), for example, and the through-opening 276 may have a diameter of about 0.25 inches (or about 0.635 cm), for example. The through-openings 274 and 276 may be positioned on the support portion 268 such that the through-openings 274 and 276 may be positionable to be aligned longitudinally with the through-openings 256 and 258 (shown in FIG.
12) respectively when both a portion of the support portion 250 (shown in FIG. 12) and a portion of the support portion 268 are received in the space 238 (shown in FIG. 11).
Further, the through-opening 256 may be positioned on the support portion 250 and the through-opening 274 may be positioned on the support portion 268 such that the through-openings 256 and 274 may both be aligned longitudinally with both of the through-openings 242 and 244 (shown in FIG. 11) when both a portion of the support portion 250 (shown in FIG. 12) and a portion of the support portion 268 are received in the space 238 (shown in FIG. 11). Therefore, when both a portion of the support portion 250 and a portion of the support portion 268 are received in the space

- 19 -238, a pivot (such as the pivot 277 shown in FIG. 14, for example) may extend through the through-openings 242, 244, 256, and 274.
The retaining portion 270 may include a generally semi-circular portion 278.
The generally semi-circular portion 278 may have an inner radius of curvature 280 of about 1.72 inches (or about 4.37 cm), for example, and may have an outer radius of curvature 282 of about 2.25 inches (or about 5.72 cm), for example.
Referring to FIGS. 5-14, the receptacle 104 may be assembled by positioning a portion of the longitudinal projection 182 in the recess 198, by positioning a portion of the longitudinal projection 184 in the recess 200, and by attaching (by welding, for example) the anchor plate 194 to the rear edge 165 on the rear side 160 of the generally cylindrical structure 152 when the portion of the longitudinal projection 182 is positioned in the recess 198 and the portion of the longitudinal projection 184 is positioned in the recess 200. When the anchor plate 194 is attached to the rear edge 165 on the rear side 160 of the generally cylindrical structure 152, a surface 283 of the anchor plate 194 faces into the internal space 153 of the generally cylindrical structure 152.
Further, the receptacle 104 may be assembled by positioning the rear surface 230 of the flange 224 against the distal end 166 of the longitudinal projection 162, by positioning the projection 228 in the through-opening 170, by positioning the projection 232 in the through-opening 176, and by attaching (by welding, for example) the bottom side 220 of the hinge bracket 212 to the longitudinal projection 162 of the shell body 150 when the rear surface 230 of the flange 224 is positioned against the distal end 166 of the longitudinal projection 162, the projection 228 is positioned in the through-opening 170, and the projection 232 is positioned in the through-opening 176.
Further, the receptacle 104 may be assembled by positioning a portion of the support portion 250 of the fixed support body 248 and a portion of the support portion 268 of the movable support body 266 in the longitudinal space 238 between the projections 234 and 236, and by positioning the pivot 277 through the through-openings 242, 244, 256, and 274 when the portion of the support portion 250 of the

- 20 -fixed support body 248 and the portion of the support portion 268 of the movable support body 266 are positioned in the longitudinal space 238 between the projections 234 and 236.
As indicated above, surfaces of the support portion 250 on opposite sides of the space 254 may contact respective opposite sides of the portion of the hinge bracket 212 when a portion of the support portion 250 is received in the space 238.
Therefore, when the pivot 277 extends through the through-openings 242, 244, 256, and 274, the pivot 277 may hold the fixed support body 248 in a generally fixed position relative to the hinge bracket 212. However, the support portion 268 may be shaped to allow the movable support body 266 to rotate about the pivot 277 when the pivot 277 extends through the through-openings 242, 244, 256, and 274, and when the pivot 277 extends through the through-openings 242, 244, 256, and 274, the movable support body 266 may be rotatable between one position in which the through-openings 258 and 276 are aligned longitudinally, and another position in which the through-openings 260 and 276 are aligned longitudinally.
The receptacle 104 may include a plunger 284. The plunger 284 may include a projection, and when the pivot 277 extends through the through-openings 242, 244, 256, and 274, the movable support body 266 may be rotatable or pivotable between one position in which the projection of the plunger 284 is positionable in the through-opening 258, and another position in which the projection of the plunger 284 is positionable in the through-opening 260. When the projection of the plunger 284 is positioned in the through-opening 258, the retaining portion 270 of the movable support body 266 may be held generally fixed (or fastened) relative to the hinge bracket 212 in a retaining position as shown in FIG. 14, and when the projection of the plunger 284 is positioned in the through-opening 260, the retaining portion 270 of the movable support body 266 may be held generally fixed (or fastened) relative to the hinge bracket 212 in an open position as shown in FIG. 15. The retaining portion 270 of the movable support body 266 may be in other open positions that do not necessarily require the projection of the plunger 284 to be positioned in the through-opening 260.

- 21 -The projection of the plunger 284 may be retractable in a retraction direction, for example to remove the projection of the plunger 284 from the through-opening 258 or from the through-opening 260 to permit rotation of the movable support body 266 about the pivot 277. The plunger 284 may include a spring or other resilient body that may urge the projection of the plunger 284 in a direction opposite the retraction direction and into the through-opening 258 or the through-opening 260.
When the receptacle 104 is assembled as shown in FIG. 14, the receptacle 104 may define a space shown generally at 286 between: the retaining portion 252 of the fixed support body 248; the retaining portion 270 of the movable support body 266 when the retaining portion 270 of the movable support body 266 is held generally fixed relative to the hinge bracket 212 in the retaining position as shown in FIG. 14; and the surface 283. The space 286 may have an abutment end shown generally at 288 near the surface 283 of the anchor plate 194, so the anchor plate 194 may function as a ram abutment. The space 286 may have an open end shown generally at 290 opposite the abutment end 288. The space 286 may be open at an end opening shown generally at 292 at the open end 290. Further, when the retaining portion 270 of the movable support body 266 is in an open position such as the open position as shown in FIG. 15, for example, the space 286 may be open at a lateral opening shown generally at 294 between the abutment end 288 and the open end 290. Therefore, the space 286 may be openable at the lateral opening 294 by positioning the retaining portion 270 of the movable support body 266 in an open position such as the open position as shown in FIG. 15, for example.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 16, the apparatus 100 may also include generally semi-circular damper bodies (or cushions) 296 and 298. The generally semi-circular damper body 296 may have a generally semi-circular outer edge 300, which may curve at a radius of curvature 302 that may be about 2.282 inches (or about 5.796 cm), for example. The generally semi-circular damper body 296 may also have an inner edge 304 that may be parallel to a diameter 306 of a circle of the generally semi-circular outer edge 300. The inner edge 304 may be spaced apart from the diameter 306 by a separation distance 308 that may be about 0.5 inches (or about

- 22 -1.27 cm), for example. A projection 310 may project from the inner edge 304.
The projection 310 may have a diametric width 312 that may be about 3.438 inches (or about 8.733 cm), for example. The projection 310 may be spaced apart from the diameter 306 by a separation distance 314 that may be about 0.375 inches (or about 0.9525 cm), for example. The generally semi-circular damper body 298 may be substantially similar to the generally semi-circular damper body 296. The generally semi-circular damper bodies 296 and 298 may be resilient bodies made of a resilient material such as, for example, ultra-strength neoprene.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 17, and 18, the apparatus 100 may also include a trough 316, which may include trough bodies 318 and 320. The trough bodies 318 and may be spaced apart from each other by a separation distance 322 that may be about 0.125 inches (or about 0.318 cm), for example. When the trough bodies 318 and are spaced apart from each other by the separation distance 322, the trough bodies 318 and 320 may collectively have a height 324 and a width 326. The height 324 and the width 326 may each be about 0.75 inches (or about 1.905 cm), for example.
Also, the trough body 318 defines a longitudinal and generally semi-cylindrical recess shown generally at 327 and the trough body 320 defines a longitudinal and generally semi-cylindrical recess shown generally at 328 so that when the trough bodies and 320 are spaced apart from each other by the separation distance 322, the trough bodies 318 and 320 may collectively define a generally cylindrical space shown generally at 329. The generally cylindrical space 329 may have a diameter 330 that may be about 0.5 inches (or about 1.27 cm), for example. The trough 316 may have an overall length 332 that may be about 3.407 inches (or about 8.654 cm), for example. The trough body 318 may also define lateral through-openings shown generally at 334 and 335, and the trough body 320 may also define lateral through-openings shown generally at 336 and 337. The lateral through-openings 334, 335, 336, and 337 may have diameters that may be about 0.1875 inches (or about 0.476 cm), for example. Centers of the lateral through-openings 334 and 335 may be spaced apart from each other by a longitudinal spacing distance 338 that may be about 2 inches (or about 5.08 cm), for example. Centers of the lateral through-

- 23 -openings 336 and 337 may be spaced apart from each other by a longitudinal spacing distance 339 that may be about 2 inches (or about 5.08 cm), for example. The lateral through-openings 334 and 335 may be longitudinally symmetric on the trough body 318, and the lateral through-openings 336 and 337 may be longitudinally symmetric on the trough body 320, so that the lateral through-openings 334 and 336 may be longitudinally aligned with each other, and the lateral through-openings 335 and 337 may be longitudinally aligned with each other.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 19, the apparatus 100 may also include a generally circular trough support body 340. The trough support body 340 may have a diameter 342 that may be about 4.532 inches (or about 11.511 cm), for example. The trough support body 340 may define through-openings shown generally at 344 and 346.
The through-openings 344 and 346 may have diameters that may be about 0.1875 inches (or about 0.476 cm), for example. Centers of the through-openings 344 and 346 may also be spaced apart from each other by a diametric spacing distance 348 that may be about 2 inches (or about 5.08 cm), for example. The trough support body 340 may also define through-openings shown generally at 350 and 352. The through-opening 350 may have a height 354 that may be about 1 inch (or about 2.54 cm), for example.
The through-opening 350 may have a width 356 that may be about 0.344 inches (or about 0.878 cm), for example. The through-opening 352 may be substantially similar to the through-opening 350. Further, the through-openings 344, 346, 350, and may be laterally symmetric, and centers of the through-openings 344, 346, 350, and 352 may extend along a common diameter of the trough support body 340.
Referring to FIG. 1, the apparatus 100 may be assembled by positioning the trough body 318 against the anchor plate 194. A fastener 358 may be attached to the through-opening 208 (shown in FIG. 10) and to the through-opening 336, and a fastener 360 may be attached to the through-opening 210 (shown in FIG. 10) and to the through-opening 337. The fasteners 358 and 360 may therefore fasten the trough body 318 to the anchor plate 194. Further, the apparatus 100 may be assembled by positioning the trough body 320 against the trough support body 340. A
fastener 362 may be attached to the through-opening 334 (shown in FIG. 17) and to the through-

- 24 -opening 344, and a fastener 364 may be attached to the through-opening 335 (shown in FIG. 17) and to the through-opening 346. The fasteners 362 and 364 may therefore fasten the trough body 320 to the trough support body 340. The fasteners 358, 360, 362, and 364 may be slotted spring pins that may be about 0.1875 inches (or about 0.4763 cm) by about 0.5 inches (or about 1.27 cm), for example.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 20, and 21, the apparatus 100 may be further assembled by positioning the trough support body 340 (when fastened to the trough body 320) in the space 128 with the generally semi-cylindrical recess 328 of the trough body 320 facing towards the front side 106 and positioned such that the generally semi-cylindrical recess 328 may receive a portion of the pin 134 when the pin 134 is in the position extending laterally across the space 128 as described above. Then the generally semi-circular damper bodies 296 and 298 may be positioned in the space 128 against the trough support body 340 with the trough body 320 received in a generally diametrical space shown generally at 366 between the generally semi-circular damper bodies 296 and 298.
Then the receptacle 104 (when the trough body 318 is fastened to the anchor plate 194) may be positioned against the generally semi-circular damper bodies and 298 such that the through-openings 190 and 192, and the generally semi-cylindrical recess 327, may receive respective portions of the pin 134 when the pin 134 is in the position extending laterally across the space 128 as described above.
The pin 134 may then be positioned laterally across the space 128 as described above such that the through-openings 190 and 192, and the generally semi-cylindrical recesses 327 and 328, receive respective portions of the pin 134. The retaining rings 136 and 138 may then be positioned proximate opposite ends of the pin 134 to retain the pin 134 in the position extending laterally across the space 128, and the generally tubular sleeve 140 may be positioned in the through-opening 114. When the apparatus 100 is assembled as described above and as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the receptacle 104 may be attached to the base 102 and may be rotatable relative to the base 102 about the pin 134. The pin 134 may thus function as a hinge that may movably couple the receptacle 104 to the base 102, for example for rotation about

- 25 -the pin 134. The generally semi-circular damper bodies 296 and 298 may be resiliently deformable bodies that may dampen rotation or movement of the receptacle 104 relative to the base 102.
Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, when the apparatus 100 is assembled as described above and as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the receptacle 104 may receive and hold a ram, such as a 25-ton hydraulic ram 368. In some embodiments, the hydraulic ram 368 may include, for example, a model #13090 or #13100 available from AME International of 2347 Circuit Way, Brooksville, Florida, United States of America, an ENERPACTM model #RC-256, or a model #C256C available from SPX
Corporation of 5885 11th Street, Rockford, Illinois, United States of America, although alternative embodiments may include different ram holders and different types of rams serving the same or similar function. For example, an alternative embodiment may include a 30-ton ram or a 50-ton ram instead of a 25-ton ram.
The hydraulic ram 368 may be generally cylindrical and may include an abutment end (or cap end) shown generally at 370, a piston end (or rod end) shown generally at 372, and a generally cylindrical surface 373 between the abutment end 370 and the piston end 372.
Between the abutment end 370 and the piston end 372, the hydraulic ram 368 may include a hydraulic fluid conduit coupling 374 that may be coupled to or otherwise in fluid communication with a hydraulic fluid conduit 376 that may receive hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic fluid source. In various embodiments, the hydraulic fluid source may include a pump, such as a five-quart 10,000 pounds-per-square-inch ("PSI") model #15920 air hydraulic pump available from AME
International of 2347 Circuit Way, Brooksville, Florida, United States of America, an air hydraulic pump such as an ENERPACTM model #PA-133 or other PA-series air hydraulic pump, or a Turbo II air hydraulic five-quart model #10502 pump available from Equipment Supply Company of 15270 Flight Path Drive, Brooksville, Florida, United States of America, although alternative embodiments may include different hydraulic fluid sources serving the same or similar function.

- 26 -The hydraulic ram 368 may also include a piston (or rod) 378 at the piston end 372. A force transfer body 379 may be on a distal end of the piston 378, and may have a force transfer surface 380. The piston 378 may be movable to a resting position towards the remainder of the hydraulic ram 368, and the piston 378 may forcefully extend from the resting position and away from the remainder of the hydraulic ram 368 in a ram expansion direction 381 into an extended position in response to a hydraulic force transmitted by hydraulic fluid received by the hydraulic ram 368 through the hydraulic fluid conduit 376.
At least a portion of the hydraulic ram 368 may be received laterally in the space 286 defined by the receptacle 104 in a lateral direction 367 when the space 286 is open at the lateral opening 294, for example when the movable support body is in the open position shown in FIG. 15. The lateral direction 367 may be lateral relative to the ram expansion direction 381, and at least a portion of the hydraulic ram 368 may be received, laterally relative to the ram expansion direction 381, in the space 286. When the hydraulic ram 368 is received in the space 286, the abutment end 370 of the hydraulic ram 368 may be positioned against the surface 283 of the anchor plate 194 at the abutment end 288 of the receptacle 104, and the piston may be extendable in the ram expansion direction 381 at the open end 290 of the receptacle 104.
Further, when the hydraulic ram 368 is received in the space 286, the movable support body 266 may be moved to and held generally fixed relative to the hinge bracket 212 in the retaining position over at least a portion of the lateral opening 294 as shown in FIG. 14 to retain or hold the hydraulic ram 368 is received in the space 286. The movable support body 266 may thus function as a retainer to retain the hydraulic ram 368 in the space 286, for example when the plunger fastens the movable support body 266 in the retaining position as described above.
Therefore, the apparatus 100 may function as a ram mounting apparatus to facilitate supporting a ram (such as the hydraulic ram 368, for example) relative to the the apparatus 100.

- 27 -Referring to FIGS. 24 and 25, the apparatus 100 may be detachably connected or fastened to a vehicle, which is a CaterpillarTM 797 haul truck 382 in the embodiment shown, but which may include other vehicles in other embodiments.
The haul truck 382 may have a left-side front wheel assembly 384, a right-side front wheel assembly 386, a left-side outer rear wheel assembly 388, a left-side inner rear wheel assembly 390, a right-side inner rear wheel assembly 392, and a right-side outer rear wheel assembly 394. Each of the wheel assemblies 382, 384, 386 and have a shared axis of rotation 401. Each of the wheel assemblies may include a tire and a wheel/rim assembly. In general, "wheel" and "rim" may sometimes be used interchangeably, and may sometimes refer to different structures. Herein, a "wheel/rim assembly" may refer to an assembly including a wheel, a rim, or any other structure to which a tire may be mounted to mount the tire rotatably on a vehicle.
For illustration purposes, the left-side inner rear wheel assembly 390 is shown including a tire 396 and a wheel/rim assembly 398. The wheel/rim assembly 398 may include a wheel 400, detachable wheel/rim flanges 402 and 404, and a mounting flange 406. The wheel/rim flanges 402 and 404 may also be referred to as side rings. The tire 396 may be mounted to the wheel/rim assembly 398 with tire beads of the tire 396 proximate the detachable wheel/rim flanges 402 and 404.
The wheel/rim assembly 398 may vary in different embodiments, and for illustration purposes may include a RIMEXTm Taper Secure Radial (TSR) wheel, for example.
The detachable wheel/rim flanges 402 and 404 may be movable relative to the wheel 400 as discussed below. The detachable wheel/rim flanges 402 and 404 may be movable to at least two positions:
(1) a mounted position wherein the detachable wheel/rim flanges 402 and 404 are mounted firmly and securely against generally opposing and distal portions of the wheel 400 when an inflated tire (for example, the tire 396) is mounted on the wheel/rim assembly 398 and firmly abuts the detachable wheel/rim flanges 402 and 404, with the detachable wheel/rim flanges 402 and 404 providing a secure seal between the tire 396 and the wheel 400 in the mounted position; and

- 28 -(2) a detached position in which the detachable wheel/rim flanges 402 and 404 are detached from or loosely in contact with wheel 400 such that the tire 396 may be removed from or mounted to the wheel 400.
Likewise, the left-side outer rear wheel assembly 388 may include a tire 408 and a wheel/rim assembly 410. The wheel/rim assembly 410 may also include a wheel, two detachable wheel/rim flanges, and a mounting flange 412. The outer rear wheel assembly 388 may be configurable similar to inner rear wheel assembly 390.
The haul truck 382 may have a powertrain including a motor housing 414 coupled to a wheel drive assembly 416. The wheel drive assembly 416 includes a mounting flange 418 connectable to the mounting flange 412 to mount the wheel/rim assembly 410 and the left-side outer rear wheel assembly 388 to the wheel drive assembly 416, and a mounting flange 420 connectable to the mounting flange 406 to mount the wheel/rim assembly 398 and the left-side inner rear wheel assembly to the wheel drive assembly 416. The motor housing 414 includes mounting flanges 422, 424, 426, and 428 extending rearward from the motor housing 414. The mounting flanges 422 and 424 support a load absorber 430, and the mounting flanges 426 and 428 support a load absorber 432. The load absorbers 430 and 432 support a dump body 434, which can carry heavy loads in mining operations, for example.
Therefore, the mounting flanges 422, 424, 426, and 428 are structural components of the haul truck 382 that are able to withstand significant loads and that remain generally stationary relative to the chassis, drivetrain, and other structural components of the haul truck 382. The mounting flange 422 may include a through-opening shown generally at 436, and the mounting flange 422 may include a through-opening shown generally at 438. The through-openings 436 and 438 may be generally collinear.
The apparatus 100 may be connected or fastened to the haul truck 382 to facilitate removing a tire, for example to facilitate removing the tire 396 from the wheel/rim assembly 398 as described below when the left-side outer rear wheel assembly 388 is removed from the wheel drive assembly 416.

- 29 -First, the wheel drive assembly 416 or other structure at the rear end of the haul truck 382 may be supported on a jack or other support structure, and the tire 396 may be deflated to relieve pneumatic pressure from the wheel/rim flanges 402 and 404. Then, when the generally tubular sleeve 140 is positioned in the through-opening 114 of the generally tubular body 110, the through-opening 146 (shown in FIG. 20) may be positioned between the through-openings 436 and 438, and a fastening body 440 may be positioned through the through-openings 146, 436, and 438 (such that a first portion of the fastening body 440 is positioned in the through-opening 114 defined by the generally tubular sleeve 140 and a second portion of the fastening body 440 is positioned in the through-opening 436 proximate the tire 396) to fasten or connect the apparatus 100 to the mounting flanges 422 and 424. In other words, the mounting flanges 422 and 424 and the fastening body 440 may cooperate to connect or fasten the apparatus 100 to the haul truck 382 at a structural component (directly to the motor housing 414 in this example) of the haul truck 382 that is proximate and spaced apart from the wheel 400 to resist movement of the apparatus 100 relative to the haul truck 382, and the base 102 (including the generally tubular body 110) and the generally tubular sleeve 140 may function as a connecting portion of the apparatus 100 connectable to a vehicle such as the haul truck 382, for example, to connect the apparatus 100 to the vehicle.
The base 102 and the receptacle 104 may collectively be described as a ram mounting body, which may have a first volumetric mass density. As indicated above, components of the base 102 may be made from aluminum or another relatively lightweight material, for example, so the first volumetric mass density of the ram mounting body including the base 102 and the receptacle 104 may be relatively low.
As indicated above, the generally tubular sleeve 140 may be made of steel or another relatively strong material. Therefore, the generally tubular sleeve 140 may have a second volumetric mass density that may be greater than the first volumetric mass density. In some embodiments, a relatively low volumetric mass density of the ram mounting body including the base 102 and the receptacle 104 may reduce an overall weight of the apparatus 100, whereas a relatively high volumetric mass density of the

- 30 -generally tubular sleeve 140 may provide additional strength to a connecting portion of the apparatus 100 including the generally tubular body 110 and the generally tubular sleeve 140.
Referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, when the apparatus 100 is connected to the haul truck 382, and when the hydraulic ram 368 is received in the space 286, the hydraulic ram 368 is positioned such that expansion of the piston 378 in the ram expansion direction 381 may exert a force on the wheel/rim flange 404 (or, more generally, a structure) that may transfer the force to the tire 396 proximate a bead 442 of the tire 396. The expansion direction 381 is generally parallel to the axis of rotation 401 of the wheel 400. Further, the force transfer surface 380 may be complementary to a surface of the wheel/rim flange 404. The piston 378 is shown in FIG. 26 in a resting position, and when upon activation the piston 378 extends away from the remainder of the hydraulic ram 368 and away from the apparatus 100, the piston 378 and the force transfer body 379 may transfer a force from the hydraulic ram 368 to the wheel/rim flange 404 that may be sufficient to move the wheel/rim flange 404 in a direction away from the hydraulic ram 368, thereby dislodging the wheel/rim flange 404 from a mounted position shown in FIG. 26 to a dislodged position shown in FIG. 27. In so dislodging the wheel/rim flange 404 from the wheel 400, the piston 378 and the force transfer body 379 may also cause the wheel/rim flange 404 to move a bead surface of the tire 396 proximate the bead 442 of the tire 396 in the direction away from the hydraulic ram 368 to separate the bead surface from the wheel 400. The hydraulic ram 368 may thus exert a force, via the wheel/rim flange 404, on a bead region of the tire 396 to separate the bead region from the wheel 400 when the hydraulic ram 368 is held by the apparatus 100 and when the apparatus 100 is connected to the haul truck 382.
The apparatus 100 and the hydraulic ram 368 may be heavy and difficult to lift and position as described above. Therefore, in some embodiments, after the apparatus 100 is connected or fastened to the haul truck 382 as described above, for example, at least a portion of the hydraulic ram 368 may be received laterally in the space 286 defined by the receptacle 104 in the lateral direction 367 and retained in

-31 -the space 286 as described above, for example, to support the hydraulic ram relative to the apparatus 100. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-27, for example, the space 286 openable at the lateral opening 294 may facilitate receiving at least a portion of the hydraulic ram 368 laterally in the space 286 in a lateral direction 367, which may allow the hydraulic ram 368 to be supported relative to the apparatus 100 after the apparatus 100 is connected or fastened to the haul truck 382.
Supporting a ram (such as the hydraulic ram 368, for example) relative to a ram mounting (such as the ram mounting body including the base 102 and the receptacle 104, for example) after the ram mounting body is connected or fastened to a vehicle (such as the haul truck 382, for example) may allow the ram mounting body and the ram to be lifted and positioned independently, which may be more practical or more convenient than lifting and positioning the ram mounting body and the ram together. Therefore, embodiments such as the embodiment of FIGS. 1-27 may facilitate removing a tire from a wheel more practically or more conveniently than at least some alternatives.
Reference will now be made to FIGs. 28 to 90, which illustrate an apparatus 500 for supporting a ram, and various components of the apparatus 500, according to another embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 28, the apparatus 500 includes a base 502, a clamp (or clamping element) 504, a receptacle 506, a support body 508, two generally semi-circular damper bodies (or cushions) 510 and 512, a pin 514 and two retaining rings 516 and 518 for the pin 514. These components of the apparatus 500 are illustrated in further detail in FIGs. 29 to 90.
Referring to FIGs. 29 to 31, the base 502 is symmetric about a central plane 551 and includes a bed 550, a plate 552, a boss 554 and a generally U-shaped handle 556. The bed 550 is shown in greater detail in FIGs. 32 to 36. The bed 550 has a top side shown generally at 560, a bottom side (opposite the top side 560) shown generally at 562, a front side shown generally at 564 and a rear side (opposite the front side 564) shown generally at 566. As shown in FIG. 33, the bed 550 has a length 576 from the front side 564 to the rear side 566 that may be about 14.25 inches (or about 36.185 cm), for example. The bed 550 includes a main body 570,

- 32 -which has a thickness 580 that may be about 2.625 inches (or about 6.668 cm) and a width 578 that may be about 9.8 inches (or about 24.892 cm), for example. The bed 550 is symmetric about the central plane 551.
Three protrusions 582, 584 and 586 extend from a top surface 571 at the top side 560 of the main body 570. The protrusion 582 is generally wedge-shaped and is symmetric about the central plane 551. The protrusion 582 extends a distance from the top surface 571 that may be about 1.375 inches (or about 3.4925 cm), for example. The protrusion 582 has two inclined surfaces 588 and 590. A normal vector to the inclined surface 588 extends parallel to the central plane 551 and obliquely towards the front side 564. A normal vector to the inclined surface extends parallel to the central plane 551 and obliquely towards the rear side 566. In some implementations, the normal vector to the inclined surface 588 extends at an angle relative to the top surface 571 of about 45 degrees and the normal vector to the inclined surface 590 extends at an angle relative to the top surface 571 of about 21 degrees.
The protrusions 584 and 586 are located on respective transverse sides of the main body 570 relative to the central plane 551. The protrusion 584 is generally rectangular, with the exception of a partially curved surface 592 and a generally semi-cylindrical groove (or recess) 596. Similarly, the protrusion 586 is generally rectangular, with the exception of a partially curved surface 594 and a generally semi-cylindrical groove 598. The partially curved surfaces 592 and 594 face inwardly towards a central portion of the main body 570 shown generally at 600.
The semi-cylindrical grooves 596 and 598 are formed in respective surfaces of the protrusions 584 and 586 that face in the direction of the top side 560. As such, the surfaces defined by the semi-cylindrical grooves 596 and 598 face in the direction of the top side 560. A respective longitudinal axis of each of the semi-cylindrical grooves 596 and 598 extends parallel to the central plane 551 and the top surface 571.
A recess 602 is formed in the top surface 571 of the main body 570 proximate to the front side 564. The recess is defined by a curved surface 604 and

- 33 -an inclined surface 606. The recess 602 defines a space having the shape of an ungula of a cylinder. The diameter of curvature of the curved surface 604 may be about 5.0 inches (or about 12.7 cm), for example. A normal vector to the inclined surface 606 extends parallel to the central plane 551 and obliquely in the direction of the front side 564. In the illustrated embodiment, the normal vector to the inclined surface 606 is parallel to the normal vector to the inclined surface 588.
The bed 550 further includes two arms 572 and 574. Each of the arms 572 and 574 extends from the main body 570, parallel to the central plane 551, towards the rear side 566. Each of the arms 572 and 574 include a respective inclined portion, shown generally at 610 and 612, coupled to the main body. Each of the arms 572 and 574 further include a respective horizontal portion, shown generally at 614 and 616, coupled to the inclined portions 610 and 612, respectively. The inclined portions 610 and 612 extend at an angle relative to the horizontal portions 614 and 616 that may be about 45 degrees, for example. A through-opening (or through-hole) 620 extends the length of the horizontal portion 614 and another through-opening 622 extends the length of the horizontal portion 616. A longitudinal axis of the through-opening 620 is parallel to the central plane 551 and is colinear with the longitudinal axis of the semi-cylindrical groove 596. Similarly, a longitudinal axis of the through-opening 622 is parallel to the central plane 551 and is colinear with the longitudinal axis of the semi-cylindrical groove 598. This alignment of the through-openings 620 and 622 with the semi-cylindrical grooves 596 and 598, respectively, is achieved in part by the inclined portions 610 and 612 positioning the through-openings 620 and 622 at the same height as the semi-cylindrical grooves 596 and 598. In the illustrated example, the longitudinal axes of the through-openings 620 and 622 and the semi-cylindrical grooves 596 and 598 are at a height 626 that may be about 3.250 inches (or about 8.255 cm) from the bottom side 562 of the bed 550, for example. The longitudinal axes of the through-openings 620 and 622 are spaced from each other by a horizontal distance 628 that may be about 6.50 inches (or about 16.510 cm), for example.

- 34 -At the bottom side 562 of the bed 550, a surface 630 is proximate to, and generally facing the direction of, the front side 564. The surface 630 includes a generally semi-circular portion 634 and a generally rectangular protrusion 632 extending from the semi-circular portion 634 in the direction of the front side 564.
A generally cylindrical opening (or blind hole) 644 extends into the bottom side 562 of the bed 550. A longitudinal axis of the cylindrical opening 644 is generally aligned with the central plane 551 of the bed 550. The cylindrical opening 644 defines a notch 646 proximate to the front side 564 of the bed 550 and a notch 648 proximate to the rear side 566 of the bed 550.
The bed 550 further defines cavities 640 and 642 on respective lateral sides of the bed 550 relative to the central plane 551. These cavities may be implemented to reduce the total weight of the bed 550, for example.
The bed 550 could be formed from any of a number of different materials. In some implementations, the bed 550 is machined from a plate material that may have a thickness of about 4.0 inches (or about 10.16 cm), for example. The plate material may be a metal such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, for example, although other materials having a sufficient strength are also contemplated. In general, one or more edges of the bed 550 may include one or more bevels, one or more chamfers, or a combination of one or more bevels and one or more chamfers, for example, to facilitate assembly or use of the base 502. Any or all of the through-openings and 622 and the cylindrical grooves 596 and 598 may each be formed by drilling, reaming, or both.
The plate 552 is illustrated in detail in FIGs. 37 and 38. The plate 552 has a top side shown generally at 650, a bottom side (opposite the top side 650) shown generally at 652, a front side shown generally at 654 and a rear side (opposite the front side 654) shown generally at 656. As shown in FIG. 37, the plate 552 has a transverse width 658 that may be about 17.38 inches (or about 44.15 cm), for example. The plate 552 is symmetric about the central plane 551. The plate 552 is formed from a material having a thickness 659 that may be about 0.375 inches (or about 0.953 cm), for example.

- 35 -The plate 552 includes two skis 660 and 662 proximate to the front side 654 and located on respective transverse sides of the plate 552 relative to the central plane 551. The skis 660 and 662 are inclined at an angle 668 relative to a top surface 664 of the plate 552 and generally extend in the direction of the top side 650 and the front side 654. In some implementations, the angle 668 is about 35 degrees.
Each of the skis 660 and 662 have a length 666 that may be about 2.71 inches (or about 6.88 cm), for example.
The plate 552 further includes two openings 670 and 672 that extend through the thickness 659 of the plate 552. The openings 670 and 672 extend from the bottom side 652 to the top side 650 of the plate 552, through the top surface 664, and are disposed on respective lateral sides of the plate 552 relative to the central plane 551. The openings 670 and 672 may help reduce the overall weight of the plate in some implementations.
At the rear side 656 of the plate 552, a surface 674 is formed that is generally facing in the direction of the rear side 656. The surface 674 includes a generally semi-circular portion 676 and a generally rectangular notch 678 extending into the semi-circular portion 676 in the direction of the front side 654.
In some implementations, the plate 552 is formed from a metal such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, for example. The plate 552 may be formed by providing a planar material having the thickness 659 and then machining the shape of the plate 552 to at least partially form the skis 660 and 662, the openings 670 and 672, and the surface 674, inter alia. Each of the skis 660 and 662 may then be bent in the direction of the top side 650 to form the angle 668 using a metal bending process, for example. In general, one or more edges of the plate 552 may include one or more bevels, one or more chamfers, or a combination of one or more bevels and one or more chamfers, for example, to facilitate assembly or use of the base 502.
As shown in FIGs. 29 to 31, the plate 552 is configured to be coupled to the bed 550. When coupling the plate 552 and the bed 550 together, the orientation of the top side 650, bottom side 652, front side 654 and rear side 656 of the plate 552 generally correspond to the orientation of the top side 560, bottom side 562, front

- 36 -side 564 and rear side 566 of the bed 550, respectively. The surface 674 of the plate 552 is complimentary to the surface 630 of the bed 550, such that the semi-circular portion 634 abuts the semi-circular portion 676 and the protrusion 632 is received by the notch 678. Welding may be used to join the plate 552 and the bed 550 at the engagement formed by the two surfaces 674 and 630. Welding may be further used to join the plate 552 and the bed 550 at the engagement formed at the top surface 664 of the plate 552 and the front side 564 of the bed 550.
The U-shaped handle 556 is illustrated in detail in FIGs. 39 and 40. The U-shaped handle 556 includes a generally horizontal section 682 and two generally vertical sections 684 and 686. The horizontal section 682 has a length 688 that may be about 4.125 inches (or about 10.478 cm), for example. Each of the vertical sections 684 and 686 has a length 690 that may be about 2.75 inches (or about 6.99 cm), for example. The U-shaped handle 556 is symmetric about the central plane 551.
The U-shaped handle 556 may be formed from a bar with a generally cylindrical cross-section having a diameter 680. The diameter 680 may be about 0.625 inches (or about 1.5875 cm), for example. In some implementations, the U-shaped handle 556 is made from a metal such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, for example.
As shown in FIGs. 29 to 31, the U-shaped handle 556 is configured to be coupled to the top surface 571 of the bed 550. An end of each of the vertical sections 684 and 686 abuts the top surface 571 and may be joined to the top surface 571 using welding, for example. When coupled to the bed 550, the U-shaped handle 556 is symmetric about the central plane 551 such that the vertical sections 684 and 686 are disposed on respective transverse sides of the bed 550 relative to the central plane 551. In addition, the longitudinal axis of each of the vertical sections 684 and 686 is perpendicular to the top surface 571 and the longitudinal axis of the horizontal section 682 is perpendicular to the central plane 551. Further, the horizontal section 682 is positioned above the protrusion 582 of the bed 550.

- 37 -The boss 554 is illustrated in FIGs. 41 to 45. In general, the boss 554 has the shape of a truncated cylinder. This truncated cylindrical shape of the boss 554 is defined, at least in part, by a generally cylindrical body 700 that is truncated by a bottom surface 702. A longitudinal axis 704 of the cylindrical body 700 is at an angle 706 relative to the bottom surface 702. In some implementations, the angle 706 is about 45 degrees, for example. A corner 708 of the cylindrical body 700 is not truncated by the bottom surface 702. The comer 708 includes an inclined surface 709 having a normal vector that is parallel to the longitudinal axis 704. The corner 708 might be considered an ungula of the cylindrical body 700 that extends from the bottom surface 702.
The boss 554 has a length 710 along the longitudinal axis 704. In some implementations, the length 710 is about 5.745 inches (or about 14.592 cm), for example. Two generally planar surfaces 714 and 716 are formed in the cylindrical body 700. A diameter 720 of the cylindrical body, apart from the two planar surfaces 714 and 716, may be about 5.0 inches (or about 12.7 cm), for example.
A
distance 718 between the two planar surfaces 714 and 716 may be about 4.75 inches (or about 12.07 cm), for example.
A generally cylindrical hole, shown generally at 722, is defined in the cylindrical body 700 and shares the longitudinal axis 704 with the cylindrical body 700. A diameter 724 of the cylindrical hole 722 may be about 4.25 inches (or about 10.80 cm), for example. The cylindrical hole 722 includes an opening 725 and a back surface 726 that is generally opposite the opening 725. The opening 725 is defined by two semi-circular planar surfaces 730 and 732 that form an end of the cylindrical body 700. The semi-circular planar surface 730 is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 704, and the semi-circular planar surface 732 is at an angle relative to the semi-circular planar surface 730. In some implementations, the angle 734 is about 18 degrees. The back surface 726 is spaced a distance 728 from the semi-circular planar surface 730 along the longitudinal axis 704. The distance may be about 1.625 inches (or about 4.128 cm), for example.

- 38 -In each of the planar surfaces 714 and 716 there is a respective through-opening 740 and 742 that extend through the planar surfaces 714 and 716 and into the cylindrical hole 722. The through-openings 740 and 742 are colinear and have a shared longitudinal axis 744 that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 704. Each of the through-openings 740 and 742 have a diameter that may be about 0.5 inches (or about 1.27 cm), for example. The through-openings 740 and 742 are spaced a distance 748 from the semi-circular planar surface 730 along the longitudinal axis 704. The distance 748 may be about 0.625 inches (or about 1.5875 cm), for example.
A recess shown generally at 750 extends into the cylindrical body 700 from the bottom surface 702. The recess 750 is generally the shape of an ungula of a cylinder. A back surface 754 of the recess 750 is separated from the back surface 726 of the cylindrical hole 722 by a distance 752 along the longitudinal axis 704.
The distance 752 may be about 0.755 inches (or about 1.918 cm), for example.
The boss 554 further includes a generally wedge-shaped recess shown generally at 760 that extends onto the cylindrical body 700. The wedge-shaped recess 760 is defined, in part, by an inclined surface 762. A normal vector to the inclined surface 762 extends in a direction that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 704 and opposite the opening 725. The inclined surface 762 is separated from the back surface 754 by a distance 764 along the longitudinal axis 704 that may be between about 1.972 inches (or about 5.009 cm) and about 1.972 inches (or about 4.996 cm), for example. A width 766 of the wedge-shaped recess 760 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 704 and may be between about 1.515 inches (or about 3.848 cm) and about 1.508 inches (or about 3.830 cm), for example.
The boss 544 could be formed from any of a number of different materials.
In some implementations, the boss 544 is machined from a metal such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, for example. In general, one or more edges of the boss may include one or more bevels, one or more chamfers, or a combination of one or more bevels and one or more chamfers, for example to facilitate assembly or use of

- 39 -the base 502. The cylindrical hole 722 and either or both of the through-openings 740 and 742 may each be formed by drilling, reaming, or both.
Referring again to FIGs. 29 to 31, the boss 554 is configured to be coupled to the bed 550 proximate the central portion 600. Any or all of the following engagements may be formed between the boss 554 and the bed 550:
(i) The bottom surface 702 of the boss 554 abuts the top surface 571 of the bed 550.
(ii) The recess 602 in the top surface 571 of the bed 550 receives the corner 708 of the cylindrical body 700. The curved surface 604 may abut an outer portion the cylindrical body 700 and/or the inclined surface 606 may abut the inclined surface 709. Thus, the size and shape of the recess 602 may be complementary to the size and shape of the corner 708.
(iii) The partially curved surface 592 abuts an outer portion the cylindrical body 700 and a portion of the planar surface 714.
(iv) The partially curved surface 594 abuts an outer portion the cylindrical body 700 and a portion of the planar surface 716.
(v) The protrusion 582 is received by, and engaged with, the wedge-shaped recess 760. In some implementations, the inclined surface 588 abuts the inclined surface 762. The size and shape of the protrusion 582 may be complementary to the size and shape of the wedge-shaped recess 760.
When the boss 554 is coupled to the bed 550, the longitudinal axis 704 of the boss 554 extends at an oblique angle to the top surface 571 of the bed 550. In some implementations, welding is used to couple the boss 554 to the bed 550. For example, welding may be used to join the boss 554 and the bed 550 at any or all of the abutments described above.

- 40 -Reference will now be made to FIG. 46, which illustrates the clamp 504 and various components thereof. The clamp 504 includes a plate 800, a tang 802, a clevis 804, a knob screw 806 having a threaded portion 836 and a handle portion 838, a washer 808, a generally U-shaped handle 810, screws 812, 814, 832 and 834, a pin 816, two retaining rings 818 and 820 for the pin 816, a dowel nut 822, two slide rails 824 and 826, and two spring pins 828 and 830. These components of the clamp 504 are illustrated in further detail in FIGs. 47 to 54. FIGs. 47 to 54 illustrate, inter alia, the clamp 504 being generally symmetric about a central plane 801.
Referring to FIGs. 47 and 48, the plate 800 has a top side shown generally at 850, a bottom side (opposite the top side 850) shown generally at 852, a front side shown generally at 854 and a rear side (opposite the front side 854) shown generally at 856. The plate 800 has a length 858 from the front side 564 to the rear side 566 that may be about 11.77 inches (or about 29.90 cm), for example. The plate 800 has a width 860 that may be about 12.23 inches (or about 31.06 cm), for example.
The plate 800 includes two prongs 862 and 864 on respective lateral sides of the plate 800 relative to the central plane 801. A gap is formed between the two prongs 862 and 864. The prongs 862 and 864 each include a respective inclined portion 866 and 868 proximate the front side 854. The inclined portions 866 and 868 are inclined at an angle 870 relative to a top surface 874 of the plate 800 and generally extend in the direction of the top side 850 and the front side 854.
In some implementations, the angle 870 is about 30 degrees. Each of the inclined portions 866 and 868 have a length 872 that may be about 0.83 inches (or about 2.11 cm), for example. The plate 800 further includes a surface 876 that is proximate to the rear side 856 and has a normal vector extending in the direction of the rear side 856, and a surface 877 that is generally opposite the surface 876 and has a normal vector extending in the direction of the front side 854.
In some implementations, the plate 800 is formed from a metal such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, for example. The plate 800 may be formed by providing a planar material having a thickness 878 and then machining the shape of the plate 800 into planar material. Each of the inclined portions 866 and 868 may

- 41 -then be bent in the direction of the top side 850 to form the angle 870 using a metal bending process, for example. In some implementations, the thickness 878 is about 0.375 inches (or about 0.953 cm).
The tang 802 is illustrated in detail in FIGs. 49 and 50. The tang 802 has a top side shown generally at 900, a bottom side (opposite the top side 900) shown generally at 902, a front side shown generally at 904 and a rear side (opposite the front side 904) shown generally at 906. The tang 802 has a width 908 that may be about 1.0 inches (or about 2.54 cm), for example.
The tang 802 includes a bottom surface 910 at the bottom side 902. A normal vector to the bottom surface 910 extends in the direction of the bottom side 902. The tang 802 further includes a flange 912 positioned at the bottom side 902 and the rear side 906. The flange 912 extends towards the bottom side 902 by a distance 914 that may be about 0.38 inches (or about 0.97 cm). The flange 912 includes a surface having a normal vector that extends towards the front side 904. A generally cylindrical through-opening 918, extending through the width 908 of the tang 802, is positioned proximate to the rear side 906. A longitudinal axis of the through-opening 918 is aligned with the plane of the surface 916. The longitudinal axis of the through-opening 918 is positioned a distance 920 from the bottom surface 910 in the direction of the top side 900 and a distance 922 from the rear side 906 of the tang 802. In some implementations, the distance 920 is about 0.62 inches (or about 1.57 cm) and the distance 922 is about 0.50 inches (or about 1.27 cm).
The top side 900 of the tang 802 includes a connecting portion 924 having a generally semi-circular top surface. The connecting portion 924 includes a generally cylindrical through-opening 926 extending through the width 908 of the tang 802. A
diameter of the through-opening 926 may be about 0.750 inches (or about 1.905 cm), for example. A longitudinal axis of the through-opening 926 is positioned a vertical distance 928 from the top side 900 of the tang 802 and a vertical distance 930 from the longitudinal axis of the through-opening 918. The longitudinal axis of the through-opening 926 is positioned a horizontal distance 932 from the top side 900 of the tang 802 and a horizontal distance 934 from the longitudinal axis of the through-

- 42 -opening 918. In some implementations, the vertical distance 928 is about 0.75 inches (or about 1.91 cm), the distance vertical 930 is about 1.50 inches (or about 3.81 cm), the horizontal distance 932 is about 2.25 inches (or about 5.72 cm), and the horizontal distance 934 is about 1.75 inches (or about 4.45 cm).
The connecting portion 924 further includes a generally oblong through-opening 936 extending through the length of the connecting portion 924. The through-opening 936 has a width 938 that may be about 0.397 inches (or about 1.008 cm) and a length 940. In the illustrated example, the length 940 is approximately equal to the diameter of the through-opening 926. A central longitudinal axis of the through-opening 936 perpendicularly intersects the longitudinal axis of the through-opening 926 in the connecting portion 924. This intersection is approximately at the mid-point along the length of the through-opening 926 and the mid-point along the length of the through-opening 936. As such, the through-opening 936 bisects the through-opening 926, and vice versa.
The tang 802 further includes a generally L-shaped through-opening 942 that extends through the width 908 of the tang 802. The through-opening 942 may be implemented to reduce the total weight of the tang 802, for example.
In some implementations, the tang 802 is machined from a metal material such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, for example. In general, one or more edges of the tang 802 may include one or more bevels, one or more chamfers, or a combination of one or more bevels and one or more chamfers, for example to facilitate assembly or use of the clamp 504. Any or all of the through-openings 918, 926 and 936 may each be formed by drilling, reaming, or both.
Referring now to FIGs. 51 to 53, the clevis 804 is shown in greater detail.
The clevis 804 has a top side shown generally at 950 and a bottom side (opposite the top side 950) shown generally at 952. The clevis 804 includes a main body 954 and two connecting portions 956 and 958 extending therefrom towards the bottom side 952. The main body 954 is generally triangular in shape. The clevis 804 has a width 960 that may be about 8.0 inches (or about 20.3 cm), a height 962 that may be about

- 43 -5.81 inches (or about 14.76 cm) and a thickness 964 that may be about 1.0 inches (or about 2.54 cm), for example.
Multiple generally cylindrical through-openings 970, 972, 974, 976, 978 and 980 are formed in the main body 954 proximate the top side 950. The through-openings 970 and 972 extend through the thickness 964 of the clevis 804 and each have a diameter that may be about 0.747 inches (or about 1.897 cm), for example.
Longitudinal axes of the through-openings 970 and 972 are parallel to the central plane 801 and are positioned on respective lateral sides of the clevis 804 about the central plane 801. The longitudinal axes of the through-openings 970 and 972 are separated by a distance 982 that may be about 6.50 inches (or about 16.510 cm), for example. The longitudinal axes of the through-openings 970 and 972 are a distance 983 from the top side 950 of the clevis 804. The distance 983 may be about 0.75 inches (or about 1.91 cm), for example.
Longitudinal axes of the through-openings 978 and 980 are also: parallel to the central plane 801; positioned on respective lateral sides of the clevis 804 relative to the central plane 801; and separated by the distance 982. Each of the through-openings 978 and 980 extends from the top side 950 towards the bottom side 952.
Longitudinal axes of the through-openings 978 and 980 are centered along the thickness 964 of the clevis 804. The longitudinal axis of the through-opening perpendicularly intersects the longitudinal axis of the through-opening 970.
Similarly, the longitudinal axis of the through-opening 980 perpendicularly intersects the longitudinal axis of the through-opening 972. As such, the through-opening bisects the through-opening 970 and the through-opening 980 bisects the through-opening 972.
The through-openings 974 and 976 also extend through the thickness 964 of the clevis 804 and each have a diameter that may be about 0.201 inches (or about 0.511 cm), for example. Longitudinal axes of the through-openings 974 and 976 are parallel to the central plane 801 and are positioned on respective lateral sides of the clevis 804 about the central plane 801. The longitudinal axes of the through-openings 974 and 976 are separated by a distance 984 that may be about 4.0 inches (or about

- 44 -10.2 cm), for example. The longitudinal axes of the through-openings 974 and are a distance 985 from the top side 950 of the clevis 804. The distance 985 may be about 0.50 inches (or about 1.27 cm), for example.
A generally oblong through-opening 986 is provided towards the center of the clevis 804. The through-opening 986 extends through the thickness 964 of the clevis 804. A central longitudinal axis of the through-opening 986 is coplanar with the central plane 801. The central longitudinal axis of the through-opening 986 is a distance 988 from the top side 950 of the clevis 804 and has a width 990. The distance 988 may be about 2.81 inches (or about 7.14 cm) and the width 990 may be about 0.397 inches (or about 1.008 cm), for example.
The two connecting portions 956 and 958 are separated by a distance 959 that may be about 1.0625 inches (or about 2.6988 cm), for example. Each of the connecting portions 956 and 958 has the general shape of a rectangular prism with a rounded end at the bottom side 952. A respective generally circular through-opening 992 and 944 is formed in each of the connecting portions 956 and 958.
Longitudinal axes of the through-openings 992 and 944 are colinear and are generally perpendicular to the central plane 801. Each of the through-openings 992 and have a diameter that may be about 0.375 inches (or about 0.952 cm), for example.
The longitudinal axis of through-openings 992 and 944 is separated from the top side 950 by a distance 996 that may be about 5.31 inches (or about 13.49 cm), for example.
The clevis 804 further includes a through-opening 998 that extends the thickness 964 of the clevis 804. The through-opening 998 may be implemented to reduce the total weight of the clevis 804, for example.
In some implementations, the clevis 804 is cut from a metal material such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, for example. In general, one or more edges of the clevis 804 may include one or more bevels, one or more chamfers, or a combination of one or more bevels and one or more chamfers, for example to facilitate assembly or use of the clamp 504. Any or all of the through-openings 970, 972, 974, 976, 978, 980, 986, 992 and 994 may each be formed by drilling, reaming, or both.

- 45 -The slide rail 824 is shown by way of example in FIG. 54. However, it should be noted that the slide rail 826 could be substantially similar to the slide rail 824, and therefore FIG. 54 also applies to the slide rail 826.
In general, the slide rail 824 is a cylindrical bar having a front side shown generally at 1000 and a rear side (opposite the front side 1000) shown generally at 1002. The slide rail 824 may be formed from a metal material such as carbon steel, for example. The slide rail 824 has a length 1004 from the front side 1000 to the rear side 1002 that may be about 12.50 inches (or about 31.75 cm), for example. The slide rail 824 generally has a diameter 1006 that may be about 0.7500 inches (or about 1.9050 cm), for example, except for portions of the slide rail 824 proximate the front side 1000 and the rear side 1002. The distal end of the slide rail 824 at the front side 1000 has a chamfer (or bevel) 1008, which may be at an angle of about 30 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the slide rail 824 and may have a length of about 0.13 inches (or about 0.33 cm), for example. The distal end of the slide rail 824 at the rear side 1002 includes a narrowed portion 1010 having a diameter between about 0.747 inches (or about 1.897 cm) and about 0.742 inches (or about 1.885 cm), for example. The narrowed portion 1010 extends a distance from the rear side 1002 of the slide rail 824 that may be about 0.062 inches (or about 0.160 cm), for example.
A generally cylindrical threaded (or tapped) through-opening 1012 is defined a distance 1014 from the front side 1000 of the slide rail 824. The distance may be about 0.50 inches (or about 1.27 cm), for example. In some implementations, the threaded through-opening 1012 has a 1/4"-20 UNC (unified coarse threads) thread size. The threaded through-opening 1012 may be formed by drilling, reaming and/or tapping, for example.
A generally cylindrical through-opening 1016 is provided a distance 1018 from the rear side 1002 of the slide rail 824. The distance 1018 may be about 0.50 inches (or about 1.27 cm), for example, and the diameter of the through-opening 1016 may be about 0.125 inches (or about 0.318 cm), for example. A
longitudinal axis of the threaded through-opening 1012 is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis

- 46 -of the through-opening 1016. The through-opening 1016 may be formed by drilling, reaming, or both.
Referring to FIG. 55, the dowel nut 822 is generally cylindrical in shape and has a length 1020 of about 1.00 inches (or about 2.54 cm), for example, along a longitudinal axis of the dowel nut 422. A diameter of the dowel nut 822 may be between about 0.747 inches (or about 1.897 cm) and about 0.740 inches (or about 1.880 cm), for example. The distal ends of the dowel nut 822 may have a chamfer (or bevel) at an angle of about 45 degrees and with a length of 0.03 inches (or about 0.08 cm), for example. A threaded through-opening 1022 is provided generally at the midpoint along the length 1020 of the dowel nut 822 and extends through the diameter of the dowel nut 822. In some implementations, the threaded through-opening 1022 has a 3/8"-16 UNC thread size. The threaded through-opening 1022 may be formed by drilling, reaming and/or tapping, for example.
Reference will now be made to FIGs. 46, 56 and 57, which illustrate assembly of the clamp 504.
The tang 802 can be joined or coupled to the plate 800 via welding, for example. When the tang 802 is coupled to the plate 800, the central longitudinal axis of the through-opening 936 may be aligned with the central plane 801. The bottom surface 910 of the tang 802 abuts the top surface 874 of the plate 800, and the surface 916 of the tang 802 abuts the surface 876 of the plate 800. The front side 904 of the tang 802 is spaced from the surface 877 of the plate 800 by a distance that may be about 0.25 inches (or about 0.64 cm), for example.
The pin 816, which could be considered a headless clevis pin, may be used to couple the tang 802 to the clevis 804. In some implementations, the pin 816 is cylindrical in shape and has a length of about 2.5 inches (or about 6.4 cm) and a diameter of about 0.375 inches (or about 0.953 cm), for example. The pin 816 may be made from a metal material such as zinc-plated steel, for example. To couple the tang 802 to the clevis 804, the tang 802 is positioned between the two connecting portions 956 and 958 of the clevis such that the longitudinal axes of the through-openings 918, 992 and 994 are all colinear. The pin 816 is then inserted laterally

- 47 -into the through-openings 918, 992 and 994 and is secured on each end using the two retaining rings 818 and 820. The distal ends of the pin 816 may define grooves that can receive the retaining rings 818 and 820. This form of coupling allows the clevis 804 to pivot or rotate relative to the tang 802 about a pivot provided by the pin 816.
The dowel nut 822 can be received by the through-opening 926 in the tang 802. The dowel nut 822 may then be oriented such that the longitudinal axis of the threaded through-opening 1022 is colinear with the central longitudinal axis of the through-opening 936. A threaded portion 836 of the knob screw 806 can then be inserted through the washer 808, through the through-opening 986 and at least partially through the through-opening 936 to be screwed into the threaded through-opening 1022. The threads of the threaded portion 836 are complementary to the threads of the threaded through-opening 1022. A handle portion 838 of the knob screw 806 can be used to manually turn the knob screw 806 in order to screw the threaded portion 836 into or out of the threaded through-opening 1022. This can cause the handle portion 838 and the washer 808 to press against a surface of the clevis 804 and move the clevis 804 relative to the tang 802. The clevis 804 can then rotate relative to the tang 802 on the pin 816.
In some implementations, the washer 808 is a steel leveling washer having an internal diameter of about 0.75 inches (or about 1.91 cm) and a thickness between about 0.235 inches (or about 0.597 cm) and about 0.265 inches (or about 0.6730 cm), for example. In some implementations, the threaded portion 836 of the knob screw 806 has a 3/8"-16 UNC thread size, is made from aluminum, and is about 3.00 inches (or about 7.62 cm) in length. The handle portion 838 of the knob screw 806 is illustrated as being a four-armed knob; however, this is only an example. The handle portion 838 may be about 2.00 inches (or about 5.08 cm) in diameter, for example.
The rear side (for example, the rear side 1002 of the slide rail 824) of each of the side rails 824 and 826 can be inserted into the through-openings 970 and 972 of the clevis 804, respectively. The side rails 824 and 826 can be secured in the through-openings 970 and 972 using the spring pins 828 and 830. Specifically, the side rail 824 can be positioned within the through-opening 970 such that the

- 48 -longitudinal axis of the through-opening 1016 is colinear with the longitudinal axis of the through-opening 978. The spring pin 828 can then be inserted into the through-openings 978 and 1016 to secure the side rail 824 in the through-opening 970. Similar comments apply to securing the side rail 826 in the through-opening 972 using the spring pin 830. In some implementations, the rear side of each of the side rails 824 and 826 is flush with a rear surface of the clevis 804 when being inserted into the through-openings 970 and 972.
The screw 832 can be screwed into the threaded through-opening 1012 of the slide rail 824 and the screw 834 can be screwed into a similar threaded through-hole of the slide rail 826. In some implementations, the screws 832 and 834 are steel socket head screws that are about 0.566 inches (or about 1.439 cm) long and have a 1/4"-20 UNC thread size.
The U-shaped handle 810 can be coupled to the clevis 804 using the screws 812 and 814. The U-shaped handle 810 includes a gripping section 842 and two connecting sections 844 and 846. A longitudinal axis of the gripping section 842 is generally perpendicular to longitudinal axes of the two connecting sections 844 and 846. The gripping section 842 has a length 840 that may be about 4.00 inches (or about 10.16 cm), for example. The U-shaped handle 810 is made from a cylindrical bar that may be about 0.50 inches (or about 1.27 cm) in diameter and is bent to form the gripping section 842 and the two connecting sections 844 and 846. The U-shaped handle 810 could be made from a metal material such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, for example. Threaded holes are provided at respective distal ends of the connecting sections 844 and 846. These threaded holes are complimentary to the screws 812 and 814. As such, the screws 812 and 814 can be inserted through the through-openings 974 and 976, respectively, to screw into the threaded holes of the connecting sections 844 and 846, thereby coupling the U-shaped handle 810 to the clevis 804. In some implementations, the screws 812 and 814 are steel button head drive screws that are about 1.566 inches (or about 3.978 cm) long and have a 1/4"-20 UNC thread size.

- 49 -Reference will now be made to FIGs. 58 to 81, which illustrate the receptacle 506 and various components thereof As shown in FIG. 58, the receptable 506 includes a shell body 1050, a fixed support body 1064, a movable support body 1052, an anchor plate 1054, a plunger 1056, a nut 1058, a pin 1060, two retaining rings 1066 and 1068 for the pin 1060, and six dowel pins 1062 (only five dowel pins 1062 are visible in FIG. 58).
Referring to FIGS. 59-64, the shell body 1050 has a top side shown generally at 1100, a bottom side (opposite the top side 1100) shown generally at 1102, a front side shown generally at 1104 and a rear side (opposite the front side 1104) shown generally at 1106. A length 1109 of the shell body 1050, from the front side 1104 to the rear side 1106 along a longitudinal axis 1108 of the shell body 1050, may be about 8.00 inches (or about 20.32 cm), for example.
The shell body 1050 includes a generally cylindrical structure 1110. An internal diameter 1112 of the cylindrical structure 1110 may be about 3.406 inches (or about 8.65124 cm), and an external diameter 1114 of the cylindrical structure 1110 may be between about 3.776 inches (or about 9.591 cm) and about 3.781 inches (or about 9.604 cm). A curved longitudinal projection 1120 extends from the cylindrical structure 1110, parallel to the longitudinal axis 1108, towards the front side 1104 of the shell body 1050. The curved longitudinal projection 1120 defines a b and a curved external surface 1119. The curved longitudinal projection 1120 also has a distal edge 1122 and two lateral edges 1124 and 1126. An oblong opening shown generally at 1128, extending through the curved longitudinal projection 1120, is formed at the bottom side 1102 of the shell body 1050.
The shell body 1050 further includes two generally annular flanges 1130 and 1134 that are separated by a generally annular groove 1132. The flanges 1130 and 1134 and the groove 1132 are centered about the longitudinal axis 1108. The flange 1130 is coupled to the cylindrical structure 1110 and the flange 1134 is at the rear side 1106 of the shell body 1050. An outer diameter 1136 of each of the flanges 1130 and 1134 may be about 4.000 inches (or about 10.160 cm) and an outer

- 50 -diameter 1138 of the groove 1132 nay be about 3.594 inches (or about 9.129 cm), for example.
A width 1140 of the flange 1130 may be between about 0.150 inches (or about 0.381 cm) and about 0.146 inches (or about 0.371 cm), a width 1142 of the groove 1132 may be between about 0.206 inches (or about 0.523 cm) and about 0.198 inches (or about 0.503 cm), and a width 1144 of the flange 1134 may be between about 0.152 inches (or about 0.386 cm) and about 0.148 inches (or about 0.376 cm).
The groove 1132 defines six oblong slots 1146 (one slot 1146 is shown by way of example in FIG. 64) spaced equidistantly around the circumference of the groove 1132. As such, each of the slots 1146 is separated by 60 degrees about the circumference of the groove 1132. Each of the slots 1146 have a width 1147 that may be substantially equal to the width 1142 of the groove 1132 and have a length 1148 between axes of two semicircles defining the distal ends of the slots 1146. In some implementations, the length 1148 is about 0.25 inches (or about 0.64 cm).
In some implementations, the shell body 1050 is cut from a cylindrical pipe having a wall thickness of about 0.300 inches (or about 0.762 cm), for example. The cylindrical pipe may be made from a metal such as steel, for example. The slots 1146 may each be formed by drilling, reaming, or both.
Referring to FIGs. 65-68, the fixed support body 1064 is generally semi-circular in shape with an internal diameter 1150 that may be between about 3.786 inches (or about 9.616 cm) and about 3.781 inches (or about 9.604 cm), for example.
The internal diameter 1150 defines a curved internal surface 1160 of the fixed support body 1064. The fixed support body 1064 has a width 1152 that may be about 4.66 inches (or about 11.84 cm), a thickness 1154 that may be about 0.50 inches (or about 1.27 cm) and a height 1156 that may be about 2.58 inches (or about 6.55 cm), for example.
A pivot portion shown generally at 1170 is provided at one distal end of the fixed support body 1064. The pivot portion 1170 includes two flanges 1172 and 1176 with a notch 1174 formed therebetween. A width 1183 of the notch 1174 may

-51 -be between about 0.253 inches (or about 0.643 cm) and about 0.258 inches (or about 0.655 cm), for example. A generally cylindrical through-opening 1178 and 1180 is formed in each of the two flanges 1172 and 1176. Each of the through-openings 1178 and 1180 have a diameter that may be about 0.250 inches (or about 0.625 cm), for example. Longitudinal axes of the through-openings 1178 and 1180 are generally colinear and are generally parallel to a central axis of the fixed support body 1064.
The pivot portion 1170 further includes a surface 1164 that extends generally perpendicularly from the internal surface 1160. A normal vector to the surface generally extends away from the two flanges 1172 and 1176 and the notch 1174.
An engagement portion 1182 is provided at another distal end of the fixed support body 1064. The engagement portion 1182 includes a generally cylindrical threaded through-opening 1184. A longitudinal axis of the threaded through-opening 1184 is generally perpendicular to the central axis of the fixed support body and is positioned a distance 1186 from an end surface 1188 at the distal end of the fixed support body 1064. A normal vector to the end surface 1188 extends generally tangentially relative to the semi-circular shape of the fixed support body 1064. In some implementations, the threaded through-opening 1184 has a 5/16"-18 UNC
thread size and the distance 1186 is about 0.250 inches (or about 0.625 cm), for example. The engagement portion 1182 further includes a rib 1162 extending from the internal surface 1160.
Referring to FIGs. 69-72, the moveable support body 1052 is generally semi-circular in shape with an internal diameter 1200 that may be about 3.406 inches (or about 8.651 cm), for example. The internal diameter 1200 defines a curved internal surface shown generally at 1210. The moveable support body 1052 has a width that may be about 4.65 inches (or about 11.81 cm), a thickness 1204 that may be about 0.50 inches (or about 1.27 cm) and a height 1206 that may be about 2.67 inches (or about 6.78 cm), for example.
A pivot portion 1212 is formed at one distal end of the moveable support body 1052. The pivot portion 1212 includes a flange 1214 having a thickness that is narrower than the thickness 1204 of the rest of the moveable support body. In

- 52 -some implementations, the thickness 1215 is between about 0.247 inches (or about 0.627 cm) and about 0.242 inches (or about 0.615 cm). A generally cylindrical through-opening 1216 is formed in the flange 1214 and may have a diameter of about 0.250 inches (or about 0.625 cm), for example. A longitudinal axis of the through-opening 1216 is generally parallel to a central axis of the moveable support body 1052.
An engagement portion 1220 is formed at another distal end of the moveable support body 1052. The engagement portion 1220 includes an end surface 1222 having a normal vector that extends generally tangentially relative to the semi-circular shape of the movable support body 1052. A generally cylindrical through-opening 1224 is formed in the engagement portion 1220 at a distance 1226 from the end surface 1222. In some implementations, the through-opening 1224 is about 0.156 inches (or about 0.397 cm) in diameter and the distance 1226 is about 0.250 inches (or about 0.625 cm), for example. A longitudinal axis of the through-opening 1224 is generally perpendicular to the central axis of the moveable support body 1052.
In some implementations, the fixed support body 1064 is cut from a plate that has a thickness 1154 and the moveable support body 1052 is cut from a plate that may have a thickness 1204. Either or both of these plates could be made from a metal material such as steel, for example. The through-openings 1178, 1180, and 1224 could be made using drilling, reaming, or both. The threaded through-opening 1184 could be made using a combination of drilling, reaming and/or tapping, for example.
Reference will now be made to FIGs. 73-78, which illustrate the anchor plate 1054. The anchor plate 1054 includes a front side shown generally at 1250 and a rear side (opposite the front side 1250) shown generally at 1252. The anchor plate 1054 includes a generally cylindrical body 1254, located generally at the front side 1250, defining a generally cylindrical internal space 1258 within the cylindrical body 1254. The cylindrical body 1254 has an outer diameter 1266 that may be about 4.50 inches (or about 11.43 cm), an internal diameter 1264 that may be about 4.000 inches

- 53 -(or about 10.160 cm) and a thickness 1274 that may be about 0.66 inches (or about 1.68 cm), for example. Within the cylindrical internal space 1258, the cylindrical body 1254 also has a generally circular front surface 1260 and a generally annular groove 1262. A normal vector to the circular front surface 1260 extends in a direction that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body 1254 and toward the front side 1250. The circular front surface 1260 is separated from the front side 1250 of the cylindrical body 1254 by a distance 1268 that may be between about 0.36 inches (or about 0.91 cm) and about 0.35 inches (or about 0.89 cm), for example. The base of the annular groove 1262 is separated from the front side by a distance 1270 that may about 0.50 inches (or about 1.27 cm), for example.
The circular front surface 1260 has a diameter 1261 that may be about 3.31 inches (or about 8.41 cm), for example.
An outer periphery of the cylindrical body 1254, defined by the outer diameter 1266, includes six generally cylindrical through-openings 1256 that are spaced equidistantly along the outer circumference of the cylindrical body 1254. As such, the angle between longitudinal axes of adjacent through-openings 1256 is about 60 degrees. The longitudinal axes of the through-openings 1256 are generally perpendicular to a central axis of the cylindrical body 1254. The longitudinal axes of the through-openings 1256 are spaced from the front side 1250 of the cylindrical body 1254 by a distance 1272 that may be about 0.250 inches (or about 0.635 cm), for example.
The anchor plate 1054 further includes a trough body 1280 located generally at the rear side 1252. The trough body 1280 is coupled to the cylindrical body via a generally cylindrical connection plate 1278 having a thickness 1279 that may be about 0.18 inches (or about 0.46 cm), for example. A diameter 1282 of the connection plate 1278 (which may also be considered a length of the trough body 1280) may be about 4.000 inches (or about 10.160 cm), for example. A width of the trough body 1280 may be about 0.875 inches (or about 2.223 cm), for example.

- 54 -The trough body 1280 includes generally semi-cylindrical projections 1287 and 1289 that define respective generally circular lateral through-openings 1286 and 1288. The semi-cylindrical projections 1287 and 1289 extend towards the rear side 1252 of the anchor plate 1054. The trough body 1280 also defines a generally semi-cylindrical recess shown generally at 1290. The through-openings 1286 and 1288 and the recess 1290 have a shared longitudinal axis that is generally perpendicular to the central axis of the cylindrical body 1254. In some implementations, a diameter of the through-openings 1286 and 1288 and a diameter of curvature of the recess 1290 are substantially similar and may be about 0.500 inches (or about 1.270 cm), for example. A length 1292 of the recess 1290 may be between about 3.388 inches (or about 8.606 cm) and about 3.455 inches (or about 8.776 cm), for example.
The shared longitudinal axis of the through-openings 1286 and 1288 and the recess is a distance 1294 from the connection plate 1278 and a distance 1296 from a rear edge of the trough body 1280 at the rear side 1252 of the anchor plate 1054.
In some implementations, the distance 1294 is about 0.50 inches (or about 1.27 cm) and the distance 1296 is about 0.44 inches (or about 1.12 cm), for example.
The anchor plate 1054 can be machined from a metal material such as steel, for example. In general, one or more edges of the anchor plate 1054 may include one or more bevels, one or more chamfers, or a combination of one or more bevels and one or more chamfers, for example, to facilitate assembly or use of the receptacle 506. The through-openings 1256, 1286 and 1288 and the recess 1290 may be formed using drilling, reaming, or both. In some implementations, the through-openings 1286 and 1288 and the recess 1290 are formed using a single drilling and/or reaming process.
FIGs. 58 and 79-81 illustrate the assembly of the receptacle 506. The rear side 1106 of the shell body 1050 can be received by and coupled to the cylindrical body 1254 of the anchor plate 1054. When coupled to the cylindrical body 1254, the flanges 1130 and 1134 and the groove 1132 may be positioned inside of the cylindrical internal space 1258. Further, the flange 1130 may be at least partially positioned within the annular groove 1262 and the through-openings 1256 may be

- 55 -substantially aligned with the groove 1132. In some embodiments, the dowel pins 1062 can then be friction pressed through the through-openings 1256 and into the groove 1132 to couple the shell body 1050 to the cylindrical body 1254 and prevent removal of the shell body 1050 from the cylindrical body 1254. This engagement of the shell body 1050 and the anchor plate 1054 does, however, allow the shell body 1050 to rotate relative to the anchor plate 1054 about a longitudinal axis of the receptacle 506, as the dowel pins 1062 can move within the groove 1132. In some implementations, each of the dowel pins 1062 are made from steel, have a diameter of about 0.1875 inches (or about 0.4763 cm) and have a length of about 0.4375 inches (or about 1.1113 cm), for example.
The shell body 1050 and the anchor plate 1054 define a space, shown generally at 1072, for receiving a ram. The space 1072 may have an abutment end shown generally at 1074 near the circular front surface 1260 of the anchor plate 1054, so that the anchor plate 1054 may function as a ram abutment. The space may have an open end shown generally at 1076 opposite the abutment end 1074.
The space 1072 also has a lateral opening shown generally at 1078 between the abutment end 1074 and the open end 1076.
The fixed support body 1064 can be coupled to the bottom side 1102 of the shell body 1050. Specifically, the internal surface 1160 of the fixed support body 1064 may abut the curved external surface 1119 of the shell body 1050.
Further, the surface 1164 of the fixed support body 1064 may abut the lateral edge 1126 of the shell body 1050, and the rib 1162 of the fixed support body 1064 may abut the lateral edge 1126 of the shell body 1050. The fixed support body 1064 and the shell body 1050 may be joined using a welding process, for example. In some implementations, the fixed support body 1064 is coupled to the shell body 1050 about 4.75 inches (or about 12.07 cm) from the rear side 1106 of the shell body 1050.
The pivot portion 1212 of the movable support body 1052 can be coupled to the pivot portion 1170 of the fixed support body 1064 to create a hinge that enables the movable support body 1052 to pivot relative to the remainder of the receptacle 506. The pin 1060 can be inserted into the through-openings 1178, 1216 and

- 56 -and be held in place on both ends using the retaining rings 1066 and 1068. In this configuration, the pin 1060 provides a pivot about which the movable support body 1052 can rotate. This allows the movable support body 1052 to pivot between a retaining position and an open position.
When the movable support body 1052 is in the retaining position, as shown in FIGs. 79-81, the engagement portion 1220 of the movable support body 1052 is engaged with the engagement portion 1182 of the fixed support body 1064 by the plunger 1056. The surface 1188 of the engagement portion 1182 may abut the end surface 1222 of the engagement portion 1220, and the longitudinal axis of the threaded through-opening 1184 may be generally colinear with the longitudinal axis of the through-opening 1224 in the retaining position.
The plunger 1056 can be used to fasten the movable support body 1052 in the retaining position. The plunger 1056 may be a retractable spring plunger having a screw portion with a 5/16"-18 UNC thread size, for example, and a projection.
The screw portion of the plunger 1056 may be screwed into the nut 1058 and the threaded through-opening 1184. The projection can move between an extended position and a retracted position along a longitudinal axis of the plunger 1056. The plunger may further include a biasing element such as a spring, for example, to bias the projection into the extended position. When the projection of the plunger 1056 is in the retracted position, the engagement portion 1220 of the movable support body 1052 is free to move into and out of engagement with the engagement portion of the fixed support body 1064. When the movable support body 1052 is in the retaining position, the projection of the plunger 1056 can be moved to the extended position (by the biasing element, for example) in which the projection is received by the through-opening 1224 of the movable support body 1052. This releasably couples (or fastens) the engagement portion 1220 of the movable support body to the engagement portion 1182 of the fixed support body 1064 and inhibits the rotation of the movable support body 1052 about the pin 1060. When the movable support body 1052 is in the retaining position, the lateral opening 1078 is at least partially closed by the movable support body 1052. In such a configuration, the

- 57 -space 1072 has a diameter 1070 that may be about 3.41 inches (or about 8.55 cm), for example.
The movable support body 1052 can be released from the retaining position by retracting the projection of the plunger 1056 to release the projection from the through-opening 1224 of the movable support body 1052. In a sense, this decouples the engagement portion 1220 of the movable support body 1052 from the engagement portion 1182 of the fixed support body 1064 and allows the movable support body 1052 to pivot relative to the fixed support body 1064 using the hinge formed by the pivot portions 1170 and 1212 and the pin 1060. Pivoting the movable support body 1052 to the open position generally moves the movable support body 1052 away from the lateral opening 1078. As such, when the movable support body 1052 is in open position, the lateral opening 1078 might be substantially open. This is discussed in further detail below with reference to FIG. 91.
Referring now to FIGs. 82-85, here is shown the support body 508 that may be machined from a metal material such as steel, for example. The support body includes a generally cylindrical plate 1300 and a trough body 1302 coupled to the cylindrical plate 1300. The cylindrical plate 1300 has a thickness 1304 that may be about 0.50 inches (or about 1.27 cm), for example, and a diameter 1306 that may be about 4.250 inches (or about 11.049 cm), for example.
A height 1310 of the trough body 1302 may be about 0.41 inches (or about 1.04 cm), for example. The trough body 1302 defines a generally semi-cylindrical recess shown generally at 1312, which may be formed using drilling, reaming or both, for example. The recess 1312 has a longitudinal axis that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical plate 1300. The longitudinal axis of the recess 1312 is positioned a distance 1316 from the cylindrical plate 1300 that may be between about 0.484 inches (or about 1.229 cm) and about 0.440 inches (or about 1.118 cm) A diameter of curvature 1314 of the recess 1312 may be about 0.500 inches (or about 1.270 cm), for example. A length 1318 of the recess may be between about 3.367 inches (or about 8.552 cm) and about 3.463 inches (or about 8.796 cm), for example.

- 58 -Referring to FIGs. 86-88, the semi-circular damper body 510 is shown in greater detail. However, it should be noted that the semi-circular damper bodies 510 and 512 may be substantially similar, and therefore FIGs. 86-88 also relate to the semi-circular damper body 512. The semi-circular damper body 510 has a generally semi-circular outer surface 1320, which has a diameter of curvature 1322 that may be about 4.3 inches (or about 10.9 cm), for example. The semi-circular damper body 510 also has a generally planar inner surface 1324. A largest distance 1326 from the outer surface 1320 to the inner surface 1324 may be about 1.7 inches (or about 4.3 cm), for example. A thickness 1328 of the semi-circular damper body 510 may be about 1.0 inch (or about 2.54 cm), for example. The semi-circular damper bodies 510 and 512 may be resilient bodies made of a resilient material such as, for example, ultra-strength neoprene.
Assembly of the apparatus 500 is illustrated in FIGs. 28, 89 and 90. The base 502, the receptacle 506, the support body 508, and the two semi-circular damper bodies 510 and 512 can be assembled by positioning the two semi-circular damper bodies 510 and 512 between the rear side 1252 of the anchor plate 1054 and the support body 508. The receptacle 506 and the support body 508 may be oriented relative to one another such that the through-openings 1286 and 1288 and the recesses 1290 and 1312 substantially share a common longitudinal axis. The two semi-circular damper bodies 510 and 512 may be positioned such that the planar inner surfaces of the semi-circular damper bodies 510 and 512 (for example, the inner surface 1324) are adjacent to respective sides of each of the trough bodies 1280 and 1302. In this configuration, the receptacle 506, the support body 508, and the two semi-circular damper bodies 510 and 512 can be positioned into the cylindrical hole 722 of the boss 554 such that the shared longitudinal axis of through-openings 1286 and 1288 and the recesses 1290 and 1312 is colinear with the longitudinal axis of the through-openings 740 and 742. The cylindrical plate 1300 of the support body 508 may abut the back surface 726 of the boss 554. The pin 514 can then be inserted into the through-openings 1286, 1288, 740 and 742 and can at least partially occupy the recesses 1290 and 1312. This couples the receptacle 506 to the base 502, and

- 59 -thereby encloses the support body 508 and the two semi-circular damper bodies and 512 within the cylindrical hole 722 of the boss 554. The retaining rings 516 and 518 can be positioned on respective distal ends of the pin 514 to inhibit movement of the pin 514.
Other ways of assembling the base 502, the receptacle 506, the support body 508 and the two semi-circular damper bodies 510 and 512 are also contemplated.

For example, the receptacle 506, the support body 508, and the two semi-circular damper bodies 510 and 512 could be assembled with the base 502 one at a time.
The support body 508 could be inserted into the cylindrical hole 722 of the boss 554, followed by the two semi-circular damper bodies 510 and 512 and the receptacle 506. The pin 514 can then be inserted into the through-openings 1286, 1288, and 742 to hold the receptacle 506 in place.
The clamp 504 can be coupled to the base 502 by inserting the slide rails 824 and 826 into the through-openings 620 and 622, respectively, when the screws and 834 are removed. The slide rails 824 and 826 might then at least partially occupy the semi-cylindrical grooves 596 and 598 of the base 502, respectively.
The screws 832 and 834 can then be screwed into the respective threaded through-openings on the slide rails 824 and 826 (for example, the threaded through-opening 1012). A head of each of the screws 832 and 834 can remain exposed when screwed into the slide rails 824 and 826, and thus act as a form of stop to inhibit the complete removal of the slide rails 824 and 826 from the through-openings 620 and 622.
FIG. 90 illustrates an example of the various movements that the apparatus 500 can produce. A first position of the receptacle 506 and a first position of the clamp 504 are shown in solid lines, and a second position of the receptacle 506 and a second position of the clamp 504 are shown in dashed lines.
The receptacle 506 pivots or rotates an angle 520 between the first position and the second position. The pin 514 provides a hinge about which this rotation is achieved. In some implementations, the angle 520 is about 18 degrees. The semi-circular damper bodies 510 and 512 may act to dampen the rotation of the receptacle 506. When the receptacle 506 is in the first position, a peripheral surface of the

- 60 -anchor plate 1054 might abut the semi-circular planar surface 730 of the boss 554, and when the receptacle 506 is in the second position, a peripheral surface of the anchor plate 1054 might abut the semi-circular planar surface 732 of the boss 554.
Further, when the receptacle 506 is moved to the second position, a portion of the anchor plate 1054 may pivot towards the back surface 726 of the boss 554. The causes the semi-circular damper body 510 to be compressed between the cylindrical connection plate 1278 of the anchor plate 1054 and the cylindrical plate 1300 of the support body 508. In some embodiments, the semi-circular damper bodies 510 and 512 are resilient deformable rubber bodies (or more generally, biasing elements). At least the semi-circular damper body 510 is deformed by, a therefore exerts a force between, the cylindrical connection plate 1278 and the cylindrical plate 1300 when the receptacle 506 is in the second position. Thus, the semi-circular damper body 510 may function as a rubber spring to bias the receptacle 506 back to the first position shown in FIG. 90. The first position of the receptacle 506 in FIG. 90 may be considered a resting position of the receptacle 506 and the second position of the receptacle may be considered a compressed position of the receptacle 506.
The slide rails 824 and 826 slide within the through-openings 620 and 622 between the first position and the second position of the clamp 504. The first position of the clamp 504 might correspond to the furthest distance that the clamp 504 can be from the base 502 due to the presence of the screws 832 and 834. In the first position, the screws 832 and 834 abut the arms 572 and 574, respectively, thereby inhibiting the movement of the clamp 504 any further from the base 502.
The second position of the clamp 504 might be the closest position that the clamp 504 can be to the base 502, as the clevis 804 abuts the arms 572 and 574. In other words, the first position of the clamp 504 shown in FIG. 90 corresponds to an extended position of the clamp 504 and the second position of the clamp 504 corresponds to a retracted position of the clamp 504. In the extended position, a rear edge of the clevis 804 is a distance 522 from the front side 654 of the plate 552, and in the retracted position, the rear edge of the clevis 804 is a distance 524 from the front side 654 of the plate 552. The distance 522 may be about 30.75 inches (or

- 61 -about 78.11 cm) and the distance 524 may be about 22.75 inches (or about 57.785 cm), for example.
The plate 800 and the tang 802 pivot relative to the remainder of the apparatus 500 between the first position and the second position of the clamp shown in FIG. 90. This pivoting can be achieved by turning the handle portion of the knob screw 806 in a first direction to bring the top side 900 of the tang 802 closer to the clevis 804, thereby pivoting or rotating the tang 802 and the plate 800 about the pin 816. This, in effect, moves the plate 800 closer towards the plate 552, providing a clamping action between the plates 800 and 552. The plate 800 can be moved further from the plate 552 by turning the handle portion 838 of the knob screw 806 in a second direction to move the clamp 504 back to the first position shown in FIG. 90. In other words, the first position of the clamp 504 shown in FIG.
90 corresponds to an open position of the clamp 504 and the second position of the clamp 504 shown in FIG. 90 corresponds to a closed position of the clamp 504.
Referring to FIGS. 91 and 92, when the apparatus 500 is assembled as described above and as shown in FIGS. 89 and 90, the receptacle 506 may receive and hold a ram, such as a 25-ton hydraulic ram 1350. In some embodiments, the hydraulic ram 1350 may include, for example, a model #13090 or #13100 available from AME International of 2347 Circuit Way, Brooksville, Florida, United States of America, an ENERPACTM model #RC-256, or a model #C256C available from SPX
Corporation of 5885 11th Street, Rockford, Illinois, United States of America, although alternative embodiments may include different ram holders and different types of rams serving the same or similar function. For example, an alternative embodiment may include a 30-ton ram or a 50-ton ram instead of a 25-ton ram.
The hydraulic ram 1350 is generally cylindrical and includes an abutment end shown generally at 1352, a piston end shown generally at 1354, and a generally cylindrical surface 1356 between the abutment end 1352 and the piston end 1354.
Between the abutment end 1352 and the piston end 1354, the hydraulic ram 1350 includes a hydraulic fluid conduit coupling 1358 that is coupled to or otherwise in fluid communication with a hydraulic fluid conduit 1360 that may receive

- 62 -hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic fluid source. In various embodiments, the hydraulic fluid source may include a pump, such as a five-quart 10,000 pounds-per-square-inch ("PSI") model #15920 air hydraulic pump available from AME International of Circuit Way, Brooksville, Florida, United States of America, an air hydraulic pump such as an ENERPACTM model #PA-133 or other PA-series air hydraulic pump, or a Turbo II air hydraulic five-quart model #10502 pump available from Equipment Supply Company of 15270 Flight Path Drive, Brooksville, Florida, United States of America, although alternative embodiments may include different hydraulic fluid sources serving the same or similar function.
The hydraulic ram 1350 includes a piston 1362 at the piston end 1354. A
force transfer surface 1364 is provided on the distal end of the piston 1362.
In the illustrated embodiment, the force transfer surface 1364 is the general shape of a semi-cylindrical notch or recess, although other shapes for the force transfer surface 1364 are also contemplated. The piston 1362 has a resting position towards the remainder of the hydraulic ram 1350, and the piston 1362 can forcefully extend from the resting position and away from the remainder of the hydraulic ram 1350 in a ram expansion direction 1366 into an extended position in response to a hydraulic force transmitted by hydraulic fluid received by the hydraulic ram 1350 through the hydraulic fluid conduit 1360.
At least a portion of the hydraulic ram 1350 may be received in the space 1072 defined by the receptacle 506 in a lateral direction 1368, through the lateral opening 1078, when the movable support body 1052 is in the open position, as shown in FIG. 91. The lateral direction 1368 may be lateral (or perpendicular) relative to the ram expansion direction 1366. When the hydraulic ram 1350 is received in the space 1072, the abutment end 1352 of the hydraulic ram 1350 may be positioned against the circular front surface 1260 of the anchor plate 1054 at the abutment end 1074 of the receptacle 506, and the piston 1362 may be extendable in the ram expansion direction 1366 at the open end 1076 of the receptacle 506.
In other implementations, the hydraulic ram 1350 may be received in the space

- 63 -defined by the receptacle 506 in a longitudinal direction that is parallel to the ram expansion direction 1366.
Further, when the hydraulic ram 1350 is received in the space 1072, the movable support body 1052 may be pivoted to the retaining position over at least a portion of the lateral opening 1078, as shown in FIG. 92, to retain or hold the hydraulic ram 1350 in the space 1072. The movable support body 1052 may thus function as a retainer to retain the hydraulic ram 1350 in the space 1072, for example when the plunger 1056 fastens the movable support body 1052 in the retaining position as described above. Therefore, the apparatus 500 may function as a ram mounting apparatus to facilitate supporting a ram (such as the hydraulic ram 1350, for example) relative to the apparatus 500.
Referring to FIGS. 93-101, the apparatus 500 may be releasably connected or fastened to a vehicle, such as a KomatsuTM 830 Series 5 haul truck 1400 shown in the embodiment, but which may include other vehicles in other embodiments.
The haul truck 1400 is illustrated without the apparatus 500 attached in FIG.
93. The haul truck 1400 has a left-side outer rear wheel assembly 1402, a left-side inner rear wheel assembly 1404, a right-side inner rear wheel assembly 1406, and a right-side outer rear wheel assembly 1408. Each of the wheel assemblies 1402, 1404, 1406 and 1408 have a shared axis of rotation 1401. The haul truck 1400 has a powertrain including a rear axle housing 1420 that mounts to the left-side inner rear wheel assembly 1404 and to the right-side inner rear wheel assembly 1406. The axle housing 1420 includes mounting flanges 1422, 1424, 1426, and 1428 extending rearwardly therefrom and perpendicularly to the axis of rotation 1401. The mounting flanges 1422 and 1424 support a load absorber 1430, and the mounting flanges and 1428 support a load absorber 1432. The load absorbers 1430 and 1432 are connected to the mounting flanges 1422, 1424, 1426 and 1428 using two generally cylindrical bodies 1436 and 1438. The cylindrical body 1436 is received by, and extends laterally between, through-openings in each of the mounting flanges and 1424. Similarly, the cylindrical body 1438 is received by, and extends laterally between, through-openings in each of the mounting flanges 1426 and 1428.
Distal

- 64 -ends of cylindrical bodies 1436 and 1438, which extend laterally beyond the sides of the mounting flanges 1422, 1424, 1426 and 1428, are secured in place using pins. By way of example, a distal end 1444 of the cylindrical body 1438 at the mounting flange 1428 is shown in FIG. 94. A pin 1445 is used to inhibit removal the cylindrical body 1438 from the through-opening in the mounting flange 1428.
The load absorbers 1430 and 1432 support a dump body 1434, which can carry heavy loads in mining operations, for example. Therefore, the mounting flanges 1422, 1424, 1426 and 1428 and the cylindrical bodies 1436 and 1438 are structural components of the haul truck 1400 that are able to withstand significant loads and that remain generally stationary relative to the chassis, drivetrain, and other structural components of the haul truck 1400.
Each of the wheel assemblies 1402, 1404, 1406 and 1408 include a tire and a wheel/rim assembly that may include a wheel, a rim and/or one or more wheel/rim flange(s). As shown in FIGs. 99-101, the right-side inner rear wheel assembly includes a wheel 1409, a tire 1410 and wheel/rim flange 1411. The wheel/rim flange 1411 may be movable and/or detachable between a mounted position and a detached position. An example of a mounted position and a detached position of a detachable wheel/rim flange is discussed above with reference to the detachable wheel/rim flanges 402 and 404. The wheel/rim flange 1411 is used to provide a seal between the wheel 1409 and the tire 1410 when in the mounted position. The wheel/rim flange 1411 may also be referred to as a side ring.
The apparatus 500 may be connected or fastened to the haul truck 1400 to facilitate removing a tire, for example to facilitate removing the tire 1410 from a wheel/rim assembly of the right-side inner rear wheel assembly 1406 as described below when the right-side outer rear wheel assembly 1408 is removed from the wheel drive assembly. Connection of the apparatus 500 to the haul truck 1400 is illustrated in FIGs. 94-97.
First, a structure at the rear end of the haul truck 1400 may be supported on a jack or other support structure, and the tire 1410 may be deflated to relieve pneumatic pressure from wheel/rim flanges in the right-side inner rear wheel

- 65 -assembly 1406, including the wheel/rim flange 1411. The apparatus 500 can then be connected to the haul truck 1400 at the mounting flange 1428.
Referring to FIG. 94, prior to the apparatus 500 being connected to the haul truck 1400, the clamp 504 of the apparatus 500 may be in the open position and the extended position described above with reference to FIG. 90. With the clamp 504 in this configuration, an operator can position the base 502 of the apparatus 500 on an outer side of the mounting flange 1428 shown generally at 1440. Positioning the base 502 on the outer side 1440 of the mounting flange 1428 can be done manually by a user gripping the U-shaped handles 556 and 810. The bottom side 652 of the plate 552 can abut the outer side 1440 of the mounting flange 1428. Further, the distal end 1444 of the cylindrical body 1438 provides a fixture for the apparatus 500.
The distal end 1444 of the cylindrical body 1438 can be received by the cylindrical opening 644 in the bed 550, where the notches 646 and 648 can receive respective distal ends of the pin 1445 that extend through the cylindrical body 1438. In general, the distal end 1444 of the cylindrical body 1438 is a protrusion that extends from the outer side 1440 of the mounting flange 1428 and can be positioned within the cylindrical opening 644. Accordingly, the size and shape of the cylindrical opening 644 is complementary to the size and shape of the distal end 1444 of the cylindrical body 1438 in order to facilitate a connection or engagement between the base and the cylindrical body 1438. For example, the diameter of the cylindrical opening 644 may be slightly larger than the diameter of the cylindrical body 1438.
After positioning the base 502 of the apparatus 500 on the outer side 1440 of the mounting flange 1428, at least a portion of the clamp 504 can be positioned on an inner side of the mounting flange 1428 (generally opposite the outer side 1440) shown generally at 1442. Positioning the clamp 504 on the inner side 1442 of the mounting flange 1428 can include various movements of the clamp 504 relative to the base 502. Referring to FIG. 95, the clamp 504 can be moved from the extended position to the retracted position (as described above with reference to FIG.
90), which includes sliding the clamp 504 in a direction 1446 towards the base 502 and the mounting flange 1428. When in the retracted position, the cylindrical body

- 66 -may be disposed between the prongs 862 and 864 of the plate 552. Moving the clamp 504 from the extended position to the retracted position can be performed by a user pushing the clamp 504 towards the base 502 using the U-shaped handles 556 and 810.
Further, referring to FIG. 96, at least the plate 552 of the clamp 504 can be pivoted or rotated from the open position to the closed position described above with reference to FIG. 90. This moves the plate 552 of the clamp 504 in a direction towards the inner side 1442 of the mounting flange 1428 and towards the base 502.
Pivoting the plate 552 of the clamp 504 towards the base 502 can be performed by a user rotating the handle portion 838 of the knob screw 806, for example. The plate 800 can then abut and be forced against the inner side 1442 of the mounting flange 1428. In particular, the inclined portions 866 and 868 of the plate 800 may form a friction engagement with the inner side 1442 of the mounting flange 1428.
Thus, the base 502 and the clamp 504 can press against both sides 1440 and 1442 of the mounting flange 1428 in a clamping action. The clamping action inhibits the apparatus 500 from falling off the mounting flange 1428 by forcing the base against the outer side 1440 of the mounting flange 1428 and thereby the maintaining the distal end 1444 of the cylindrical body 1438 within the cylindrical opening 644.
The distal end 1444 of the cylindrical body 1438 provides a fixture that the base 502 can rest against.
Referring to FIG. 97, the two skis 662 and 664 of the plate 552 can engage with an outer surface of the axle housing 1420 to inhibit the rotation of the apparatus 500 about the distal end 1444 of the cylindrical body 1438. Each of the skis 662 and 664 can abut the axle housing 1420 at a different point and thereby fix the orientation of the apparatus 500 relative to the axle housing 1420.
As outlined above, the base 502 and the clamp 504 can cooperate to clamp or otherwise connect the apparatus 500 to the haul truck 1400 at a structural component (directly to the axle housing 1420 in this example) of the haul truck 1400 that is proximate and spaced apart from the tire 1410 to resist movement of the apparatus 500 relative to the haul truck 1400. In general, the base 502 and the clamp 504 may

- 67 -be considered a connecting portion of the apparatus 500 connectable to a vehicle such as the haul truck 1400, for example, to connect the apparatus 500 to the vehicle.
The base 502 could be considered a first part of the connecting portion that can be positioned on a first side of a flange defined by the vehicle body, and the plate 800 of the clamp 504 could be considered a second part of the connection portion that can be positioned on a second side of the flange. Positioning the second part of the connection portion to the second side of the flange could include moving the second part of relative to the first part, such as by sliding or pivoting the second part relative to the first part, for example.
While the apparatus 500 is illustrated as being connected to the mounting flange 1428 and the cylindrical body 1438 in FIGs. 94-97, it should be noted that this is only an example. In general, the apparatus 500 could be connected to other structures defined by the haul truck 1400. Moreover, while FIGs. 94-97 illustrate connecting the apparatus 500 to the mounting flange 1428 and the cylindrical body 1438 to facilitate removing the tire 1410 from a wheel/rim assembly of the right-side outer rear wheel assembly 1406, the apparatus 500 could instead be connected to the mounting flange 1422 and the cylindrical body 1436 to facilitate removing a tire from a wheel/rim assembly of the left-side inner rear wheel assembly 1404 in a similar manner.
The apparatus 500 may collectively be described as a ram mounting body.
Referring to FIG. 98, when the apparatus 500 is connected to the haul truck 1400, the hydraulic ram 1350 can be retained by the receptacle 506. Before the hydraulic ram 1350 is retained by the receptacle 506, the shell body 1050 can be rotated relative to the base 502 and to the haul truck 1400 about the longitudinal axis of the receptacle 506. As such, the shell body 1050 can be oriented with the bottom side 1102 facing vertically downwards and the top side 1100 facing vertically upwards. In this orientation, the curved internal surface 1121 of the shell body 1050 is facing vertically upwards. The space 1072 defined by the receptacle 506 can then receive the hydraulic ram 1350 in the lateral direction 1368 and the shell body 1050 can support the hydraulic ram 1350 on the curved internal surface 1121. The hydraulic

- 68 -ram 1350 can rest on the curved internal surface 1121 even with the movable support body 1052 in its open position. Thus, a user does not need to hold or otherwise support the hydraulic ram 1350 when moving the movable support body 1052 to the retaining position. This allows the user to use both hands to move the movable support body 1052 to the retaining position. It should be noted that when connecting the apparatus 500 to the mounting flange 1422 and to the cylindrical body 1436 to remove a tire from the left-side inner rear wheel assembly 1404, the the shell body 1050 can be rotated 180 degrees compared to the orientation shown in FIGs. 98-to orient the shell body 1050 such that the curved internal surface 1121 is facing vertically upwards.
The apparatus 500 and the hydraulic ram 1350 may be heavy and difficult to lift and position as described above. Therefore, in some embodiments, after the apparatus 500 is connected or fastened to the haul truck 1400 as described above, for example, at least a portion of the hydraulic ram 1350 may be received laterally in the space 1072 defined by the receptacle 506 in the lateral direction 1368 and retained in the space 1072 as described above, for example, to support the hydraulic ram relative to the apparatus 500. In the embodiment of FIGS. 28-101, for example, the space 1072 openable at the lateral opening 1078 may facilitate receiving at least a portion of the hydraulic ram 1350 laterally in the space 1072 in a lateral direction 1368, which may allow the hydraulic ram 1350 to be supported relative to the apparatus 500 after the apparatus 500 is connected or fastened to the haul truck 1400.
Supporting a ram (such as the hydraulic ram 1350, for example) relative to a ram mounting body (such as a ram mounting body including the base 502, the clamp and the receptacle 506, for example) after the ram mounting body is connected or fastened to a vehicle (such as the haul truck 1400, for example) may allow the ram mounting body and the ram to be lifted and positioned independently, which may be more practical or more convenient than lifting and positioning the ram mounting body and the ram together. Therefore, embodiments such as the embodiment of FIGS. 28-98 may facilitate removing a tire from a wheel more practically or more conveniently than at least some alternatives.

- 69 -Reference will now be made to FIGs. 99-101, which illustrate use of the apparatus 500 for detaching the wheel/rim flange 1411 from the wheel 1409.
When the hydraulic ram 1350 is retained by the receptacle 506, the hydraulic ram 1350 can be positioned such that expansion of the piston 1362 in the ram expansion direction 1366 may exert a force on the wheel/rim flange 1411 (or, more generally, a structure) that may transfer the force to the tire 1410. The piston 1362 is in a resting position and the wheel/rim flange 1411 is in a mounted position in FIG. 99.
Upon activation, the piston 1362 extends away from the remainder of the hydraulic ram 1350 and away from the apparatus 500 in the ram expansion direction 1366 to an extended position shown in FIG. 100. In moving to the extended position, the piston 1362 can transfer a force from the hydraulic ram 1350 to the wheel/rim flange that may be sufficient to move the wheel/rim flange 1411 in a dislodging direction 1450 that is generally away from the hydraulic ram 1350, thereby detaching the wheel/rim flange 1411 from the wheel 1409. FIG. 100 illustrates the wheel/rim flange 1411 in a detached position following activation of the piston. The dislodging direction 1450 may be substantially parallel to the axis of rotation 1401.
In detaching the wheel/rim flange 1411, the piston 1362 and the force transfer surface 1364 may cause the wheel/rim flange 1411 to move a bead surface of the tire 1410 in the dislodging direction 1450 (or, more generally, in a direction away from the hydraulic ram 1350) to separate or unseat the bead surface from the wheel 1409.
The force from the expansion of the piston 1362 in the ram expansion direction may be transferred proximate to the bead surface of the tire 1410. The hydraulic ram 1350 may thus exert a force, via the wheel/rim flange 1411, on a bead region of the tire 1410 to separate the bead region from the wheel 1409 when the hydraulic ram 1350 is held by the apparatus 500 and when the apparatus 500 is connected to the haul truck 1400.
After detaching the wheel/rim flange 1411, the piston 1362 can be retracted in a ram retraction direction 1452 to the resting position of the piston 1362, as illustrated in FIG. 101. The ram retraction direction 1452 is generally opposite the ram expansion direction 1366.

- 70 -The size and shape of the force transfer surface 1364 may be complementary to a surface or edge of the wheel/rim flange 1411. For example, the wheel/rim flange 1411 could define a convex surface that is complementary to the recess defined by the force transfer surface 1364 to provide a stable abutment between the piston 1362 and the wheel/rim flange 1411.
The receptacle 506, hydraulic ram 1350 and piston 1362 extend obliquely from the outer side 1440 of the mounting flange 1428. Thus, the ram expansion direction 1366 is at an oblique angle to the axis of rotation 1401 and to the dislodging direction 1450. The force transfer surface 1364 may therefore contact the wheel/rim flange 1411 at an oblique angle during expansion of the piston 1362.
The force that acts to dislodge and/or detach the wheel/rim flange 1411 may be the component of the force transferred by the piston 1362 that is parallel to the dislodging direction 1450. The oblique angle of the ram expansion direction relative to the axis of rotation 1401 may be implemented because access to the wheel/rim flange 1411 is partially obstructed by the axle housing 1420 in the illustrated embodiment. As such, if ram expansion direction 1366 were to be parallel to the dislodging direction 1450, then the force transfer surface 1364 might not be able to contact the wheel/rim flange 1411 at all. In some implementations, the oblique angle between the expansion direction 1366 and the axis of rotation 1401 is related to the angle 706 of the longitudinal axis 704 of the cylindrical body relative to the bottom surface 702 of the boss 554.
FIGs. 99 and 100 illustrate that as the wheel/rim flange 1411 moves in the dislodging direction 1450, the receptacle 506 may pivot about the pin 514 within the boss 554. This allows the force transfer surface 1364 to remain engaged with the wheel/rim flange 1411 while detaching the wheel/rim flange 1411. In FIG. 99, the receptacle 506 is in the resting position (described about with reference to FIG. 90) and the ram expansion direction 1366 is at an angle that is about 45 degrees relative to the dislodging direction 1450. In FIG. 100, after moving the wheel/rim flange 1411 in the dislodging direction 1450, the ram expansion direction 1366 is at an angle that is about 27 degrees relative to the dislodging direction 1450 and the

-71 -receptacle 506 is in the compressed position (described about with reference to FIG.
90). As outlined above, the compressed position of the receptacle 506 corresponds to a position in which the semi-circular damper body 510 is compressed between the cylindrical connection plate 1278 of the anchor plate 1054 and the cylindrical plate 1300 of the support body 508. While the semi-circular damper body 510 might tend to resist movement of the receptacle 506 to the compressed position, the force exerted by the hydraulic ram 1350 can be sufficient to overcome this resistance and deform the semi-circular damper body 510. When the piston 1362 moves in the ram retraction direction 1452 back towards the hydraulic ram 1350 and towards from the apparatus 500, as illustrated in FIG. 101, the semi-circular damper body 510 can bias the receptacle 506 back to the resting position relative to the base 502 and the clamp 504, for example.
The resting position of the receptacle 506 generally corresponds to a configuration in which the longitudinal axis of the piston 1362 is aligned with the wheel/rim flange 1411 in the mounted position. As such, biasing the receptacle into the resting position may avoid or reduce the need for manual alignment of the piston 1362 with the wheel/rim flange 1411 prior to activation of the piston 1362.
Further, biasing the receptacle 506 to the resting position can prevent the receptacle 506 rotating freely when the apparatus 500 is moved, which could be annoying and even dangerous for a user. In some implementations, the semi-circular damper body 510 provides a form of rubber spring to move the receptacle 506 back to the resting position relative to the base 502 and the clamp 504.
The apparatus 100 and 500 are examples only, and alternative embodiments may differ. For example, ram mounting apparatuses and ram mounting bodies according to alternative embodiments may be connectable to different vehicles, may connect to one or more vehicles in different ways, and may receive, retain, and/or support a ram in different ways. Further, dimensions, materials, and specific structures described above are examples only, and alternative embodiments may differ. Therefore, although specific embodiments have been described and

- 72 -illustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative only and not as limiting the invention as construed according to the accompanying claims.

- 73 -

Claims

EMBODIMENTS IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE
IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. A method of supporting a ram relative to a ram mounting body comprising a connecting portion connectable to a vehicle comprising a first wheel comprising a tire, the method comprising:
receiving the ram in a space defined by a receptacle of the ram mounting body laterally relative to an expansion direction in which the ram is expandable to exert a force on the tire; and retaining the ram in the space defined by the receptacle.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein receiving the ram in the space defined by the receptacle comprises receiving at least a portion of the ram in an opening of the receptacle open laterally relative to the expansion direction.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein retaining the ram in the space defined by the receptacle comprises fastening at least one retainer in a retaining position over at least a portion of the opening.

4. The method of claim 3 further comprising pivoting the at least one retainer into the retaining position over the at least a portion of the opening.

5. The method of claim 1, 2, 3, or 4 further comprising connecting the connecting portion of the ram mounting body to the vehicle.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein connecting the connecting portion of the ram mounting body to the vehicle comprises positioning a first portion of a fastening body in a through-opening defined by the connecting portion of the ram mounting body and a second portion of the fastening body in a through-opening defined by a portion of the vehicle proximate the tire.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein positioning the first portion of the fastening body in the through-opening defined by the connecting portion of the ram mounting body comprises positioning the first portion of the fastening body in a sleeve in the through-opening defined by the connecting portion of the ram mounting body.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the ram mounting body has a first volumetric mass density, and the sleeve has a second volumetric mass density greater than the first volumetric mass density.

9. The method of claim 7 or 8 wherein the ram mounting body is made of aluminum, and the sleeve is made of steel.

10. The method of claim 5 wherein connecting the connecting portion of the ram mounting body to the vehicle comprises positioning a first part of the connecting portion on a first side of a flange defined by the vehicle and positioning a second part of the connection portion on a second side of the flange.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the first side of the flange is opposite the second side of the flange.

12. The method of claim 10 or 11 wherein positioning the first part of the connecting portion on the first side of the flange comprises positioning a protrusion extending from the first side of the flange within an opening defined by the first part of the connecting portion.

13. The method of claim 10, 11 or 12 wherein positioning the second part of the connection portion on the second side of the flange comprises moving the segond part of the connecting portion relative to the first part of the connecting portion.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein moving the second part of the connecting portion relative to the first part of the connecting portion comprises pivoting the second part of the connecting portion towards to the first part of the connecting portion to clamp the connecting portion on the flange.

15. The method of claim 13 or 14 wherein moving the second part of the connecting portion relative to the first part of the connecting portion comprises sliding the second part of the comecting portion towards the first part of the connecting portion.

16. The method of any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein connecting the connecting portion of the ram mounting body to the vehicle comprises connecting the ram mounting body to the vehicle at a location spaced apart from the first wheel.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein connecting the connecting portion of the ram mounting body to the vehicle comprises connecting the ram mounting body directly to a motor housing or an axle housing of the vehicle.

18. The method of any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein receiving the ram in the space defined by the receptacle comprises positioning the ram into a ram position in which expansion of the ram in the expansion direction causes the ram to exert force on the tire.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein positioning the ram into the ram position comprises positioning the ram into the ram position in which expansion of the ram in the expansion direction causes the ram to exert the force on a structure that transmits the force from the ram to a surface of the tire proximate a tire bead of the tire.

20. The method of claim 18 or 19 further comprising, when the ram is received in the space defined by the receptacle, and when the ram mounting body is connected to the vehicle, causing the ram to expand in the expansion direction and to exert the force on the tire.

21. The method of any one of claims 1 to 20 wherein the expansion direction is substantially parallel to an axis of the first wheel.

22. The method of any one of claims 1 to 20 wherein the expansion direction is at an oblique angle to an axis of the first wheel.

23. The method of any one of claims 1 to 20 wherein receiving the ram in the space defined by the receptacle comprises receiving the ram in the space defined by the receptacle when the connecting portion of the ram mounting body is connected to the vehicle.

24. The method of any one of claims 1 to 23 wherein the receptacle is movable relative to the connecting portion of the ram mounting body.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein at least one hinge couples the receptacle to the connecting portion of the ram mounting body.

26. The method of claim 24 or 25 wherein at least one damper body is positioned to dampen movement of the receptacle relative to the connecting portion of the ram mounting body.

27. The method of claim 26 wherein the at least one damper body comprises at least one resilient body positioned to dampen movement of the receptacle relative to the connecting portion of the ram mounting body.

28. The method of claim 26 or 27 wherein the at least one damper body is further positioned to bias the receptacle to a resting position relative to the connecting portion of the ram mounting body.

29. A ram mounting apparatus comprising:
a means for connecting the apparatus to a vehicle comprising a wheel comprising a tire;
a means for holding a ram, wherein the means for holding is operable to receive the ram laterally relative to an expansion direction in which the ram is expandable to exert a force on the tire when the apparatus is connected to the vehicle and when the ram is received in the means for holding; and a means for retaining the ram in the means for holding when the ram is received in the means for holding.

30. A ram mounting apparatus comprising:
a ram mounting body comprising:
a connecting portion connectable to a vehicle comprising a first wheel comprising a tire;
a receptacle defining a space operable to receive a ram and comprising a ram abutment at an abutment end of the space defined by the receptacle, the space defined by the receptacle open at, at least, an end opening at an open end opposite the abutment end, and the space defined by the receptacle openable at, at least, a lateral opening between the abutment and the open end and operable to receive the ram laterally into the space defined by the receptacle; and a retaining body operable to retain the ram in the space defined by the receptacle when the ram is received in the space defined by the receptacle.

31. The apparatus of claim 30 wherein the retaining body is fastenable in a retaining position over at least a portion of the lateral opening to retain the ram in the space defined by the receptacle.

32. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein the retaining body is pivotable into the retaining position.

33. The apparatus of claim 30, 31, or 32 wherein the connecting portion of the ram mounting body defines a through-opening sized to receive a first portion of a fastening body with a second portion of the fastening body positionable in a through-opening defined by the vehicle.

34. The apparatus of claim 33 further comprising a sleeve positionable in the through-opening defined by the connecting portion of the ram mounting body, wherein the first portion of the fastening body is positionable in the through-opening defined by the connecting portion of the ram mounting body when the first portion of the fastening body is positioned in the sleeve and when the sleeve is positioned in the through-opening defined by the connecting portion of the ram mounting body.

35. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein the ram mounting body has a first volumetric mass density, and the sleeve has a second volumetric mass density greater than the first volumetric mass density.

36. The apparatus of claim 34 or 35 wherein the ram mounting body is made of aluminum, and the sleeve is made of steel.

37. The apparatus of claim 30, 31, or 32 wherein the connecting portion of the ram mounting body includes a first part positionable on a first side of a flange defined by the vehicle and a second part positionable on a second side of the flange.

38. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein the first side of the flange is opposite the second side of the flange.

39. The method of claim 37 or 38 wherein the first side of the connecting portion defines an opening to receive a protrusion defined by the first side of the flange.

40. The apparatus of claim 37, 38 or 39 wherein the second part of the connecting portion is movable relative to the first part of the connecting portion.

41. The apparatus of claim 40 wherein the second part of the connecting portion is pivotable relative to the first part of the connecting portion to clamp the connecting portion on the flange.

42. The apparatus of claim 40 or 41 wherein the second part of the connecting portion is slidable relative to the first part of the connecting portion.

43. The apparatus of any one of claims 30 to 36 wherein the connecting portion of the ram mounting body is configured to connect the ram mounting body to the vehicle at a location spaced apart from the first wheel.

44. The apparatus of claim 43 wherein the connecting portion of the ram mounting body is configured to connect the ram mounting body directly to a motor housing or an axle housing of the vehicle.

45. The apparatus of any one of claims 30 to 44 wherein the receptacle is configured to hold the ram in a ram position in which expansion of the ram in an expansion direction causes the ram to exert force on the tire when the connecting portion of the ram mounting body is connected to the vehicle and when the ram is received in the space defined by the receptacle.

46. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein the receptacle is operable to receive the ram laterally relative to the expansion direction.

47. The apparatus of claim 45 or 46 wherein the expansion direction is substantially parallel to an axis of the first wheel.

48. The apparatus of claim 45 or 46 wherein the expansion direction is at an oblique angle to an axis of the first wheel.

49. The apparatus of any one of claims 30 to 46 wherein the receptacle is movable relative to the connecting portion of the ram mounting body.

50. The apparatus of claim 49 further comprising a hinge coupling the receptacle to the connecting portion of the ram mounting body.

51. The apparatus of claim 49 or 50 further comprising at least one damper body operable to dampen movement of the receptacle relative to the connecting portion of the ram mounting body.

52. The apparatus of claim 51 wherein the at least one damper body comprises at least one resilient body.

53. The method of claim 51 or 52 wherein the at least one damper body is further operable to bias the receptacle to a resting position relative to the connecting portion of the ram mounting body.

54. The apparatus of any one of claims 29 to 52 further comprising the ram.

55. The apparatus of any one of claims 29 to 54 further comprising the vehicle.